Hello Again,

I really appreciate all of the comments and suggestions made. Just to follow a couple comments made. I have already had the alternator fixed a few weeks back as it seemed the morning noise was extending itself to driving as well. So I took it to the dealer who promptly diagnosed it as the alternator bearings being hatched. It solved the noise I had while driving it, but did nothing for the start-up sound.

Also, like someone else who wrote in, this has been a problem since the truck was new last year. Hence, it appears the problem maybe inherant somehow.

Anyway, my dealer has been very good about trying to find a cure to the problem (under warranty). As such, I have another appointment booked for this weekend. I have noted the suggested problems for my dealer to explore as possibilities. Anymore suggestions would still be very welcome.

Thanks everyone,
Mike

 

My new 2000 5.4L made what sounded like the rod bearings not receiving oil or piston slap noise when first started. This noise was most perceptible when it was cold outside and the truck had sat outside all night. It would only last about .5 seconds which is why I think it was due to lack of lubrication on start-up. After a couple of weeks and about 200-300 miles I changed the oil using Mobil-1 5/30w and a motorcraft FL 820S filter and I can't hear the noise anymore.

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Mine: 2000 F-150 4X2 XLT Sport Pkg, Ext Cab Flareside (Black Clearcoat w/dark graphite interior), 5.4L, Auto, 3.55 Limited Slip, Remote Keyless Entry, Trailer Towing Group, 40/60 Pwr Seat, Autolamp, Premium AM/FM W/CD.

Hers: 1999 Eddie Bauer Explorer 4X2, 5.0L, Auto, Tropic Green/Tan, Trailer Towing Group, 3.73 Limited Slip, AM/FM/Cassette/CD, CD Changer, Remote Keyless, Power moonroof, Autolamp, Electronic Air, Keyless Entry Pad, Mach Audio System, HomeLink, Overhead Console, Rear Air & Stereo, 16" factory polished aluminum wheels.

Toy: 1997 Harley Davidson, Springer Heritage.

 

I agree with all of you who live south of me... Up here in Northern Alaska, where temps in the morning reach -60 (that's right, my typing is correct). My truck only seems to squeal at start up when the temp is -20 or colder. I have use Fords oil and filter, but with little success and I use Valvoline Durablend 5W30 and K&N filter. The dealership told me that the "squeal" was from my fan belt because when the temps get this cold that the belt becomes harder and that it cannot grip as well as when it is warmer. Has anyone every experienced the flat spot on your tires after your truck has set overnight and you try to drive it the next morning? Same pricipal behind it, rubber gets hard and less plyable in the cold.

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Todd in Alaska

1999 F-150 4x4 Lariat, SuperCab, Amazon Green/Harvest Gold, Off-Road Pkg, 5.4L, 3.73 Limited slip, Towing Pkg, and every other option possible... K&N filter, SuperChip (Love it!!), Ventvisor Vents, Bugflector II, Extang Platinum Soft Tonneau, and Westin Nerf Bars

Future Mods: Dual exhaust, Smittybilt Outland Grill Guard, Lund Moonvisor

 

I have heard the same thing in mine about a half dozen times this winter (Milwaukee only got below 0 once this year). I tend to agree with WJT. Doesn't sound deep enough in the engine for a oil related problem. As for lifters draining, I don't think we have lifters do we? with overhead cam. Another possibility is what I heard on much older cars I've had where a door in the snorkel would try to close when cold so warmed air could be drawn across the exhaust manifold. The door closed a little slower (about 1 but no more than 2 seconds) when very cold and the rush of intake air caused it to squeal. I'm not sure we have this type of intake air warming though. Squealing belt sounds good to.

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99, XL, SC, SB, auto, 4.6L, 255x70R16, 3.55LS, 2wd, Med Tor, Dk Grph, Raider LoRider Tonneau,
Valley class III hitch, bed mat.
More to come!




[This message has been edited by Tiger (edited 02-16-2000).]