I have a 05 F-150 4x4 with the 5.4. For the last couple of months when I start it up (after its been sitting for a while) its makes a grinding noise. The same noise it makes after you change your oil. I know it is no oil pressure but I have never had a truck that every morning make this noise. It can't be good..

Eventually the pressure comes up and it is no more that a couple of seconds.

I run Castrol 5W20. The same oil that is recommended by Ford. Any other suggestions?? Any one else notice this? If not I will take it into Ford and brace myself...

 

Similiar to this?

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=285485

 

Make sure the oil filter you use has the anti-drainback valve.

 

Some of it sounds correct. On mine it is only during starting. It seems to just take a bit for the oil pressure to build. Some of these guys (Expeditions) seem to have this noise when driving, which is not the case with mine.

Thanks for taking the time to reply!

 

Anti Drain Back huh?? Do most oil filter brands have this? Will the shop that does my oil changes know of this?

Cause that what is sounds like.. When you change your oil and don't fill your oil filter before hand. That knocking noise before pressure builds.. Thats the noise but almost every time I start cold.

 

I only use the specific Motorcraft filter called out for my truck (in the manual), '05 5.4l. You'll have to check the make and number of your filter to see if it has the valve.

 

Not only a anti-drain back valve, but a good one. FRAM's are notorious for lousy valves. I always use the MC FL-820S and the only time I get the noise is when I do not pre-fill the filter.

 

Most oil filters have a drainback valve, only the really El Cheapo hecho-en-mexico filters still lack them.

Go with name-brand filters. Purolator, Wix, or Motorcraft are all good choices. There's a reason one no-name is $1.50 while a Purolator is $6. Not only is the element better quality, but it will have a valve on it as well.

If your filter is okay, install a real oil pressure gauge. I think Ford still uses the "idiot light" oil senders that register either "OK" or "low" so they really don't tell you anything. It's not a big job and a good thing to have anyway. The gauge and line will run you maybe $20, fitting may be extra. If the pressure takes a while(more than 3 seconds) to build up from a start, then the oil pump may be going. If not, then there may be a blockage somewhere in the oil system. Rare, but can happen.

 

This is all good info guys.. Thanks!

I am going to start with the filter and work twords to more expensive solutions.

I went to talk to the guys who change my oil during my lunch hour today and their response was "dude.. I don't know man.."

So you guys are really helping me.

Any others responses would be helpful. Back to you in 3000k miles when I make the change..

Thanks again

 

That oil change shop guy's remarks are scary enough.....

 

My wifes 05 Expy will have this noise occasionally on start up. It seems to happen less and less as it get more miles. I think it happens more with the motorcraft filter. I used a mobil 1 filter and it seemd to have the least noise with it. It could also be that the engine is just getting more miles. You are right that it sounds like a "dry start".