I have an 04 5.4L, and I am experiencing an issue with what the dealer says is the lifters knocking on startup. When I start my truck up for the first half to one whole second, you can hear a slapping type sound. It's heard best from outside the truck.

The service manager at my dealership tells me it's the lifters and they make the noise because the oil pump takes a few seconds to get oil into the top of the head and even if he replaced them, they would still make the same noise. He also tells me that I'm not doing any damage to the motor, but I don't think he's being straight with me.

I didn't notice it until after I had my cam phasers swapped out. I hated that knocking they made, and I guess that was all I was listening for and never heard the lifters. Of course now I'm out of warranty, but I wanted to see if any of you have had this issue. Thanks.

 

if you arent using a motorcraft filter start using one. they have the best anti-drainback valve to help with this issue. are you using 5w20 oil also?

 

I second this info

 

I am using Penzoil 5w20, but to tell you the truth, I'm not sure about the filter. It's whatever Jiffy Lube put on the last time I had the oil changed. I'll take a look tomorrow when it's light out.

It sounds like this is a common issue though? I searched the threads before I posted a new one and I didn't see anyone with a similar issue.

I appreciate the help.

 

When did the noise start? Does it disappear after running abit? Before or after the oil change? Did they do an oil flush? My truck has lifter noise, but after sitting for 2-3 weeks (normal). Thats one of the reasons I use a 100% synthetic oil (amsoil 0w30) w/filter. The pump can suck it up quickly.

 

Your problem is the El-Cheapo oil filter that Jiffy-Screw installed on your engine! 1st-Change out that filter ASAP! 2-nd- Do not take your truck to that place for an oil change again!......

 

Jiffy Screw is a BBBAAADDDDD place. Do a search on them. Too much to get into.

 

I haven't done an oil system flush, and I noticed the noise start about 6 months ago. It is more pronounced after my truck has sat for couple days. I will change out the filter and see if it gets any better.

I appreciate the help guys. I'll hit this thread back up after I change the filter an update.

Thanks.

 

Get the oil changed at the dealer, do it yourself or at least make sure where they are changing it uses a Motorcraft filter. It is most likely the anti-drainback tube in the cheap filter. Purolater is fine as well. Stay away from Fram.

 

Most of the el cheapo house brand oil filters are made by Fram. Garbage. Motorcraft, Purolator, and Wix are decent. You should also be using semi-synthetic 5W20 or some kind of full synthetic oil.

 

Correct.

 

I noticed the same noise.....mainly when it was colder weather. I have always used Motorcraft oil but never thought much about the filter. I was close enough to an oil change that I had mine changed today. Thanks for the info guys.

 

I'm having the same problem with my truck. It doesn't make any sense. It makes that knocking noise for the first few seconds after a cold start up. And I swear I can hear it sometimes when the truck is idling after I have been driving it. I have a 2006 scab 4x4 w/ 5.4 3v. It has 33,500 miles on it. I just did an oil change less than 700 miles ago. I used Mobil 1 fully synthetic 0W20 with a Mobil 1 filter. Should I take it to the dealer and have them look at it, since it's still under factory warranty? Any ideas.?

 

usmc0351, yes, take it to the dealer. Yours could very easily be the cam phasers. It will sound like lifters even after the engine is up to full temp, a far too common issue with the 3V 5.4.