I have the infamous "knock" in my 04 5.4L. My question is: Should any of the possible causes show up as codes or errors in a diagnostic check? I am not receiving any codes and was wondering if this might help eliminate or narrow down possible causes.
It is coming from the passenger side rear of the motor. I can hear it more in the wheel openings. I cannot hear it inside the cab of the truck, under normal operating conditions. It is there at all rpms, temps, etc. I have checked for broken exhaust bolts, head cover bolts, exhaust leaks. None exist. I have not experienced any loss of power or other sign of performance loss.
Like many others, when I take to dealer the response is it needs a new motor.
I don't buy this. The vehicle has 161,000 miles, but is in great shape inside and out. My only complaint is the knocking. I also reviewed the flatrate tech video and is was very informative.
I know this has been discussed in numerous threads and I have read most, but could not find anything about error codes that might occur as a result of this condition. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

that is normal for the 5.4s

 

I would replace the tensioners and both phasers due to the mileage. The phasers are most likely the knock, but as these engines age, the tensioners will bleed off oil pressure causing the chains to slack. I just got finished about two hours ago replacing both phasers for a guy that found me on here. cost him less than $700 and was happy as hell when he left. He was also told by another dealer that it needed heads, or an engine.

 

Ive heard that the knocking(kinda sounds like a lifter) is actually the torque convertor in the transmission....i dont know where it is coming from but my dad has a 08 with 16000 miles and it does it so who knows

 

I don't have a 3v but I was speaking to a mechanic at my local dealership the other day. He said that they had a major problem with the variable cam system on the 3v's. Maybe it's that.