Piston slap and additives
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Registered User
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 214
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From: Huntingtown, MD USA
Piston slap and additives
When I first noticed the piston slap in my (used) 97 5.4, it was out of warranty. (Several calls to FoMoCo have been made w/o luck, but that's another story.) I immediately switched to Mobile One with little improvement. I then, desperately, tried Slick 50 Synthetic and continued using the Mobile One. It has been in the truck for 2800 miles now and it almost sounds normal when I first start it up. It took a while to "work in,", but seems to be effective - even the other day when the temp was 15 degrees. Now, I know, I have read all the reports and listened to the member's comments on additives, but this really seemed to help.
Has anyone else in desperation (that means out of warranty) found anything that makes these 5.4's sound less like diesels on cold morning starts?
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97 F150 Lariat 4X4 Ext. Cab. 5.4, AT, Tow Pkg, bedliner, white/grey 2tone w/ grey leather, Fact. CD changer, Gibson Side Swept, K&N, Bosch Platinum +4's,Michelin LTX 265/70 16, S/D Triton V8 emblems, Both doors cracked, Piston slap quieted by Mobile One & Slick 50 Synthetic.
Has anyone else in desperation (that means out of warranty) found anything that makes these 5.4's sound less like diesels on cold morning starts?
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97 F150 Lariat 4X4 Ext. Cab. 5.4, AT, Tow Pkg, bedliner, white/grey 2tone w/ grey leather, Fact. CD changer, Gibson Side Swept, K&N, Bosch Platinum +4's,Michelin LTX 265/70 16, S/D Triton V8 emblems, Both doors cracked, Piston slap quieted by Mobile One & Slick 50 Synthetic.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 632
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From: DOT BOMB CITY!
I tried Mobile1, Castrol Syn (MUCH WORSE), and Justice Brothers additive! Well, I DID have an extended 75K warranty, THANK GOD, and at 49K I got the new 5.4L....New motor sounds normal and has more torque!
Good luck! Just RUN IT TILL IT DIES!!!!!
Good luck! Just RUN IT TILL IT DIES!!!!!
Member
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 27
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From: Havre, MT 59501
In my case with both my '97 and '99 5.4L "Knockers", Mobile 1 didn't help either one. I would suggest taking any repair/replacement option Ford offers. Try to establish a good relationship with your dealer. He really is the one that will be able to get some action from Ford.
Good Luck!
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'99 F-150 Lariat SC 5.4L 4X4,3:55 Limited
Slip,Capt.Chairs,Towing Pkg,K&N,SuperChip,Gibson Catback,Cab Filter,Penda Liner,RearSwayBar,AeroTecRunningBoards,
OxfordWhite/Black Lwr
Good Luck!
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'99 F-150 Lariat SC 5.4L 4X4,3:55 Limited
Slip,Capt.Chairs,Towing Pkg,K&N,SuperChip,Gibson Catback,Cab Filter,Penda Liner,RearSwayBar,AeroTecRunningBoards,
OxfordWhite/Black Lwr
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 237
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From: NC
In your case, if you found something that makes the sound go away, use it, (especially when you go to re-sell it).
As others and Ford have stated, the piston slap symptom does not affect the life or performance of the engine..
I don't know if this is true or not, but I've not heard of anyones engine dying prematurly from piston slap.. (Some folks have had oil-leaks, but this is not related).
Since your outta warranty, use what works for you. You might also want to turn the radio up a little in the mornings..
As others and Ford have stated, the piston slap symptom does not affect the life or performance of the engine..
I don't know if this is true or not, but I've not heard of anyones engine dying prematurly from piston slap.. (Some folks have had oil-leaks, but this is not related).
Since your outta warranty, use what works for you. You might also want to turn the radio up a little in the mornings..