when I start my 5.4 I hear a kind of rattle noise for a few seconds .. It only does it first thing in the morning when the engine is cold..maybe this is normal ??? Oil pressure comes right up, everytning looks good , no leaks.. Using Castrol 5w-30 .. Any Idea??

 

my parents 03 lariat does the same thing ur talkin about, only thing i can come up with the oil hasnt reached the valves yet for those few seconds. i may be wrong but im sure someone else with a more knowledge will chime in. correct me if wrong.

 

Are you using a anti-drain back filter, or a cheapy

 

for me im using the motorcraft filter

 

It could be as simple as the filter being used, causing this "rattle".

MC filters are advised by FMC obviously...

Some engines just rattle at start up. Age and mileage are also a contributing factor in this as well. I wouldn't worry too much as long as it stops.

My 98 did this before I started using Lucas oil treatment every other oil change. I like it, and, have used it for a while now.

*FYI* Year, and mileage is imperative info when posting questions about your application.

 

2003 fx4 149,000 miles ( Sorry ) I just went out and started it up after adding Lucas Oil Treatment yesterday and no rattle.. also Wal Mart changed my oil so I am sure I got the cheapest made in Indonesia or China Oil Filter.. Maybe next time I will change my own oil..

 

yea dont have walmart or jiffy lube or any fast lube place change your oil. they use the cheapest oil and filters. just use a motorcraft or wix or any anti drain back filter and whatever oil you want and you'll be good.

 

If that lucas oil treatment is that thick as honey stuff I would get the oil changed NOW and get a decent filter on it.

 

You should be using Motorcraft 5W20 and Motorcraft filters. You can get away with something else, but its not the right way to do it.

 

Yea, when adding the oil treatment just make sure your oil level is not over filled.

When I add the lucas, I substitute the oil treatment for one quart... I only do this every other change as well. A good filter is strongly advised! (MC, WIX, Mobile-1, to name a few) I believe there is a filter study somewhere in the archives here as well. But, the above are tried and true in my book.

I also would strongly advise, changing your own oil *OR* the dealer changing it, if you insist to not DIY.

I use Castrol 5W-30 in my 98. Your application *should* call for 5W-20. Just make sure you get a good quality oil. I am not going to get into what is best, because, if you just do a search on oil here in the engine forum, you will find a wealth of oils and opinions on what is the best...

 

I use 5w 30 Castrol as well, but since 01 I believe, your suppose to use 5/20 - says so in the manual. Now everyone is suppose to use 5w 20. I'm not changing grades @ 254,000 miles. But you weren't ever suppose to use 5w 30

Don't use snake oil (additives) and always use Motorcraft / wix filters.

 

Try using MotorCraft 5w-20 & a MotorCraft Filter, I guarantee you will not get a rattle upon startup!

 

Check your exhaust pipe clamps from the headers to the muffler. Part of one on my truck rusted out, making it extremely loose. When I would start my truck, it would rattle for a few seconds.

 

Old thread...

So, my truck's been startup rattling off and on since I bought it at 144k... I'm now at 159k... Will this in any way affect the longevity of the engine? I've been using 5w-20 since I bought it and have used both Mobil-1 and Motorcraft oil filters with similar results. I get a rattle ~ every 1 in 5 starts.

I have been considering switching to 5w-30. Would that make any difference?