2004 5.4l 3v. I'm getting a short loud rattle that last about 3 seconds when i start the engine . it only happens on cold starts, loud enough to hear in the cab and make people give me weird looks lol. Sorry if this has been posted before.. any ideas? using the recommended 5w20.

 

What brand oil filter are you using? If it's not a Motorcraft, replace it.

 

Hi.

Hydraulic timing chain tensioners not filling rapidly enough or weak. Chain itself, or guides. Beware. How many miles on the engine?

MGD

 

Both above suggestions are right on. The 3v engines are more prone to lash adjuster noise during startup if a oil filter is bleeding down then a 2v. Thats because the 3v lash adjusters are designed to bleed down slightly so at start up there is a reduction in emissions from the engine the 2v lash adjusters stay pumped completely unless they are starting to get weak/fail.

 

Oh wow sounds scary. Engine has 132k on it, fram oil filter unfortuneately. Gonna do an oil change this weekend with motorcraft

 

Fram filters SPECIFICALLY cause this. They do not have an adequate anti-drainback valve.

 

may be a dumb question but will doing an oil change with a motorcraft oil filter eliminate this? or is the damage already done..

 

Hi.

Low-hanging fruit. Will not hurt to try. The sooner you get rid of that Fram the better.

Good luck!


MGD

 

alright, just picked up a motorcraft oil filter and some 5w 30 to help quiet things down a bit. hopefully it helps, thanks for the help guys,

 

I wouldn't use 5w30 in a 3 valve - use 5w20.