Low-RPM Clatter Under Load
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Joined: May 2005
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From: Fort Worth, TX
Low-RPM Clatter Under Load
OK, guys,
I've done some searching and found some similar information, but not exactly what I was looking for. My 99 F-150 with the 5.4 has what I would call a pinging or even clatter at low RPM under load. I can only hear it with the radio off, and the blower speed low, so it isn't extremely loud. I'll hear it mostly while cruising along in top gear and a slight hill approaches. The motor will lug down for just a minute(but not downshift) and a clatter can be heard momentarily. It is also audible when accelerating from say 50-60 in OD when giving more throttle but not enough to downshift. The noise can also be heard in other situations where the motor is at low RPM under load. Is this something that I can cure with better fuel, maybe mid-grade? I am going to wait until the tank is very close to empty and try that at the next fill-up. I didn't think that a bone-stock non-performance oriented motor would need mid-grade or premium fuel? Any idears?
Thanks
I've done some searching and found some similar information, but not exactly what I was looking for. My 99 F-150 with the 5.4 has what I would call a pinging or even clatter at low RPM under load. I can only hear it with the radio off, and the blower speed low, so it isn't extremely loud. I'll hear it mostly while cruising along in top gear and a slight hill approaches. The motor will lug down for just a minute(but not downshift) and a clatter can be heard momentarily. It is also audible when accelerating from say 50-60 in OD when giving more throttle but not enough to downshift. The noise can also be heard in other situations where the motor is at low RPM under load. Is this something that I can cure with better fuel, maybe mid-grade? I am going to wait until the tank is very close to empty and try that at the next fill-up. I didn't think that a bone-stock non-performance oriented motor would need mid-grade or premium fuel? Any idears?
Thanks
Last edited by Brian 5.4; Jun 22, 2005 at 03:29 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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Hi Brian;
Sounds like pinging to me - usually audible under load and should be adressed asap.
Do a Search here for throttle body cleaning, EGR port cleaning, etc. Lots of folks cleared this up or at least minimized it by performing what appears to be required regular routine maintenance activities. TP says do it at least once every 1-2 years, I think. Also check/replace your fuel filter, air filter and clean your MAF sensor while you're in there.
IMHO, going up in octane just may mask the original root cause, so that would be a last resort. Thorough, frequent routine maintenance is important.
Cheers
Vic
Sounds like pinging to me - usually audible under load and should be adressed asap.
Do a Search here for throttle body cleaning, EGR port cleaning, etc. Lots of folks cleared this up or at least minimized it by performing what appears to be required regular routine maintenance activities. TP says do it at least once every 1-2 years, I think. Also check/replace your fuel filter, air filter and clean your MAF sensor while you're in there.
IMHO, going up in octane just may mask the original root cause, so that would be a last resort. Thorough, frequent routine maintenance is important.
Cheers
Vic
Last edited by MGDfan; Jun 21, 2005 at 12:35 PM.
Thread Starter
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 599
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From: Fort Worth, TX
I probably need to clean the throttle body/EGR. I printed out some detailed information with good pictures, and I'll tackle it sometime soon. I filled up with premium today and will use that until I get the time to clean the TB/EGR. I glanced at it last night and it looks to be a pretty involved task. Is it hard to do? I'm a decent shade-tree mechanic, but have never messed with anything like this before. Any tips?
Last edited by Brian 5.4; Jun 22, 2005 at 03:12 PM.
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Joined: Jun 2005
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From: burton mi
Not A Bad Job.
Originally Posted by Brian 5.4
I probably need to clean the throttle body/EGR. I printed out some detailed information with good pictures, and I'll tackle it sometime soon. I filled up with premium today and will use that until I get the time to clean the TB/EGR. I glanced at it last night and it looks to be a pretty involved task. Is it hard to do? I'm a decent shade-tree mechanic, but have never messed with anything like this before. Any tips?
Now i have been chasing the dreded knocking /rattling/sqealing noise from the top half of the motor for some time now . It started very fantly , but became more eveident as time progessed. It happens at idle as a knocking /rattle then to a rattling /sqeal between idle up to 2000 rpm.
ive had it to the dealer and BAM new motor ! My heart fell ,thinking it was something simple . 6 grand which i dont have for a new heart. Well i said no and its been sitting since . I ve check around and with some digging ive found
ether coff up 5-6k or fix it . Now on that note ive herd its ether the dreeded piston slap / cracked sleeves or the valve train in the top end .
My sound is more so on the left/ drivers side and some what on the right .And seams to go away after you get moving alog till you coast and let the tech drop back down below 2k.sounds just liks a water pump squel with a knocking rattle .
Its funny ford says you DONT need a tune up till you hit a 100k . Yep you got that right 103 k and now its time for a tune up . What ? there version of a tune up is just put a new motor in it !.