I have a '06 F150 with a 4.6, 6500 miles. Occassionally, when I crank the engine, I hear for about 1 second a loud noise, kind of like something is grinding, but it is gone immediately and I will not hear it again until another day when I crank the motor for the first time. I don't hear this sound the rest of the day on subsequent cranks. Oil pressure shows normal and full on the stick. I've only changed the oil twice so far, first time at a service center using Penzoil 5W20, the second I did using Motorcraft semi-syn 5W20. Obviously it is bothersome from the standpoint that it sounds like the initial crank is grinding something in the motor until the oil flows, even though it is very very brief. The sound is pretty loud. Since it is so random and brief, have not bothered to take to a dealer, may be nothing. Was wondering if anybody else has noticed this sound or what it may be. Thanks.

 

thats the starter gear on the fly wheel.

 

So that is normal then and nothing to worry about?

 

No it is not normal. It means the starter and flywheel are staying meshed too long. It should not make any grinding.

 

So most likely the starter is defective and/or installed incorrectly? I wonder if the dealer would replace it on my word and description of the problem alone? Otherwise, getting the engine to make the "sound" in their presence may be difficult and I'd probably have to leave it with them for a day or 2, which if so, we can deal, it will just be a hassle. Thanks for the responses.

 

I'd get it over there ASAP - if it continues it can break the nose off the starter and/or chew up the teeth on the flywheel.

 

Its the flywheel, get it checked before it causes more damage or anything.

 

this is the closest description i have found to the noise i am having, except i would call mine more of a growl than a grind, and being mechanically inclined, i would have a hard time believing that my sound is the starter, sorry to hijack but anybody got any idea?

 

I spoke with the dealer and he says he will make an inspection no problem. He agreed it does sound like a starter or flywheel issue but has not personally handled anybody else with that specific complaint so we'll see. As soon as I can get it down there and let them check it out I'll post back the results.