Each time I start my 2000 Tri-150 5.4 liter i hear a tapping sound from the engine. This sound goes away after a minute or so. I suspect pressure is building somewhere making the sound stop.

Could this be a lifter? A valve?

 

Mine does the same only when cold outside. This morning did it, but it was
-10 when I started it.

 

Its piston slap, and its normal.

It has to do with the cold weather and the clearances in the engine.

 

That ticking sound is pretty loud. Not normal!!

I hear it may be the oil pump. The dealer offers a bilstein (spelling) oil system flush that blows all the crap out of the oil jackets and pump.

The labor on a new oil pump (which is $60.00) install is 9 hours!!!

I may opt for the oil flush. Anyone had one?

 

My 01 4.6 does that too. Even with a Mobile One oil filter with anti drain back valve, the thing rattles until I see the oil pressure come up on my "real" gauge (usually a second or three). It only does it when it has set overnight and usually is worse when it is really cold. Not real sure what the problem is but it is really annoying to hear it. The problem on mine could be solved if they would let the engine turn over a couple more times before it actually starts. Seems like it would be easy enough to engineer that into the computer programming. Oh well... what do you do?

 

do a search on piston slap. TONS of people have it. And I havent heard of any cases of the engine failing prematurely due to it. It sounds bad/embarrasing, but thats about the extent of it.

Unless this is a different sound and Im misunderstanding you. If it only does it when its cold...then it sounds like PS to me.

 

I get the same noise, it only happens in the winter! I change my oil every 3000, never had any problems with my 5.4 liter. Always have great oil pressure! I did the whole engine flush - oil,tranny radiator, differential - gave it re-newed life