Bought an '08 F150 Scab 4x4 5.4L couple weeks ago. I'm very impressed with the truck so far. Plenty of power, nice acceleration off the line and passing on highway, I'm almost all smiles. Almost...

I've noticed several times so far when I accelerate there is some hesitation, and sometimes as I build up speed, especially as I'm "getting on it" so to say, it seems to almost sputter a couple timesI don't really know how else to describe it. It almost seems like the rpm's build up and then drop quickly and then build right up again. Almost as if the fuel is cutting out for a split second and then starting again. When I floor it and let off the gas, it seems to take a second to realize I let off, and then cut the fuel down even after I've already let off the accelerator. I almost want to say normal cable throttle control always has seemed smoother to me?! Does annyone else notice this at all? Is it even the elec. throttle control? Could it be the TC coming out of and going into lockup?

Again, I am more than happy so far with the rig but it seems to have little quirks I am not used to. It may be nothing and completely normal for all I know. I plan on an XCal2 tuner soon enough, maybe that will resolve some of these "issues".

There are a few other things going on I am not clear on (may be better in another forum, but I though I'd just put em here...

1. there is still the slight ticking sound I've mentioned in another thread so far, almost sounds like lifters or a manifold leak, but not nearly as loud. Some people have said it's completely normal but I'm not sure.
2. slight thump when accelerating hard at higher speeds. Have been told it's TC coming out of lockup, makes sense, just hope it's nothing more.
3. just noticed a small thump every few seconds (maybe not even a thump, just a bit of a noise) from the motor when idling. No clue to this.
4. tailgate seems excessively loose. On almost every bump it rattles around, more than I'd like to say is normal. Or is it normal to hear alot of noise from the tailgate? I will be Line-Xing soon, this should quiet down alot of the bed noise but most seems to be from the gate, like the left hinge it sits on is loose or not a tight enough fit.

Anyhow, sorry for the extremely long post, I will be mentioning all these sounds at the dealer for it's first oil change in about 1500 miles. I just feel like actual owners are better at identifying similar things with their trucks than the dealer who will more than likely say everything is fine till it's too late. The dealer does offer a warantee of sorts if you'd call it that on noises, they told me at any time in the first 6 months if I heard squeaks, rattles, bumps, any kind of odd sounds they would take care of it no problem, this being on top of the normal bumper to bumper and powertain warantee. Anyhow, thanksin advance for any help and guidance you can give me on the things I've mentioned.

 

The ticking is normal with these engines unless its severe... If a slight ticking is heard, its either from the injectors, or from the cam chains, or a combination of the two. But if its a severe ticking, then do a search on the cam phasers, as there is a recall on these. And ifs thats the case take it to the stealership and have them look it over... Im not for sure if the recall still exists on the newer trucks..., but I think it was common on the 04's for sure, and maybe the 05's...

About the throttle response. These newer (04' and up F-150's) use an electronic throttle body. Being electric, and not a cable actuated TB is what causes the lag. But there is hope! I highly recommend getting a tuner... Just do a search and pick which one suits your needs best. The main two are the XCAL II and the EDGE... Another thing that will help open your truck would be an intake and exhaust. Just as i mentioned earlier about the tuner, just do some searching, and pick which one you like best...

-Kurt

 

there is no recall for cam phasers. it is only a TSB and it only applies to 04 and 05s. the problem was fixed in 06. you are probably just hearing the injectors.

 

Great, thanks guys. I always thought the electronic throttle control was advertised as being superior and smoother than a cable, but so far I have to disagree.

I do plan on the XCal2, just not sure if I want to go with Mike Troyer who has more experience with F150's but takes a long time to get it, or Justin at VMP (same guy Thumper uses) who can get you the product quick, and has lots of programming knowledge and quite a bit about F150's. Either way, the programmer is in the works. I am calling the rep at hottexhaust.com monday to order my Maggie si/do cat back (16616), and will most likely be ordering an AF1 3.5" in the near future (if it doesn't come for X-mas!)

Any clue on the thump when accelerating (possibly tc coming out of lockup), or the timiest thump heard in the engine bay when at idle? What about the tailgate issues? Thanks again