I have an '04 SCab w/ 5.4 58,000 miles

When I start the vehicle lately, I get a LOUD (RATTLE) sound from near where the starter is...I'll get me wife to start the truck while I'm under the starter, but the sound does not seem to come from the starter...just higher up and above the starter. When the engine lights-off the noise does stop. Some starts are worse than others...thoughts???

 

what kind of oil do you use? and filter?

 

I've been using CarQuest filters and 5W-30 synthetic

 

does it have oil pressure right away? carquest is a wix filter right? you should be using 5w20 motor oil. what brand oil is it?

 

It's a WIX and I've been using the CarQuest oil. It seems that as soon as the engine comes to life~ the noise stops. So I would say "yes, it has oil pressure right away." It just seems not to carry enough lubrication between starts.

 

I seem to have the same issue as Lthrnek89. I have an 04 Screw (non heritage) 4x4 Lariat with 73,000 miles on it. I have used Mobil1 5w20 full synthetic for the last three oil changes. When I start up the truck, I get a loud rattling for only a matter of seconds from the same area of the engine compartment mentioned by Lthrnek89. After that, everything sounds normal. It hasn't seemed to affect performance though (not to say that it won't eventually). Oil pressure is fine. But now that I recall, I think the rattling started at about the same time I switched to using synthetic. I'm gonna revert back to my regular non synthetic oil and see what happens. It's worth a shot... unless anyone has other ideas.

 

I was told that once you convert to synthetic; you CAN NOT go back. Ask "WHY?" I don't know... but that's what I was told.

 

It's the timing chain adjuster bleeding off oil pressure. Once the pressure builds up it's fine. Mine does it sometimes.

Go check the link in my sig. Good informative video.

Only use oil filters with an anti drain back valve and 5w20 oil with these 5.4 3v engines. The VCT operates by oil pressure and too thick an oil won't go through the oil passages properly.

 

You should be using 5W-20 viscocity oil!........

 

Thanks

 

Then what about synblend oil?

 

i was taught that if you switch to synthetic that you should never switch right over. you should change your oil with synthetic blend and then the following oil change use synthetic. and same goes for synthetic to regular oil. you should use synthetic blend and then the next oil change use regular. but thats just what i was always taught. and synthetic blend is better for your engine.

 

That's what I was taught also.