New member here.

I found this site while searching for info on my problem. I've found a wealth of knowlege at this site but I haven't found anything that would help me with my problem.

I have a 98 f150 auto. 4.6 Romeo (eigth digit is a W) with 49,000 km.

While stopped at a drive through Tim Hortons the other day I noticed what sounded like a knocking noise reflecting off the building beside me. At the time the truck had been running for approx. ten minutes it was in drive and I was stopped waiting for the line to advance.
I looked in my mirror to see if there was a diesel truck behind me but there were only cars, so I shut the truck off and the noise ceased. I proceeded to the parking lot and checked the oil and looked in the engine bay and also under the truck. The oil was up and I didn't see anything unusual. After reaching home and hour later I left the truck running in drive with the parking brake engaged and listened at the front fender well directly behind the wheel. The noise I heard at the drive through was still there.

The next morning I went out and started the truck and after 30-45 seconds put the truck in drive and listened again and NO NOISE???? I would also like to point out that very rarely do I hear any unusual sounds comming from this engine at startup unless its extremely cold (-25C to -40C).

I use the motorcraft fl 820s filter and Motomaster Canadian Tire full synthetic 5W30 CF/SJ rated oil and change both at an 8000 to 9000km interval.

It appears that this condition can only be duplicated when the engine is warm in drive and at a full stop.

I will be taking it to the dealer in the morning to have them do an assesment and also for them to log the incident for future reference.

My assumption is that there is a problem in the lower end of the engine, maybe rod or main bearings?? It still under warranty until 60,000 km so I glad it showed up now.

If anyone else has a similar problem or if you have any insight into what this may be I would appreciate your input.




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1998 f150 4.6 auto.
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I have a 1998 f150 4X4 4.6L auto tran with 45K miles. I've noticed the same sound that you described. I'm not sure if it is a engine low end problem, I sure hope not. The engine seems to perform well.

Please let me know what your dealer has to say.

 

hilltopjo

It may sound strange, but I'm relieved that someone else has this problem only because it seems it may be a common fault that they (FORD) may have heard of and should remedy.

I am to leave it with the dealer Wednesday morning so I'll post what the outcome of the inspection is.

Some dealers must dread these forums where customers can pool their resources and common experiences.

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1998 f150 4.6 auto.
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Lou,
Make sure the dealer knows the noise only happens when WARM and in DRIVE. Otherwise, they'll just start it in the morning and say, "No noise!"
Good Luck!

 

J-C

Yeah I've already been to the dealer and I had the service manager come out and listen to it. He admitted that he could hear the noise but he didn't think it was an engine problem with so few km's. The impression I got is that he may have some concerns about the transmission because of the conditions that need to be met to repeat the noise.

BTW the service manager is new to the dealership, the previous one had been there for 40 years. This is my first contact with this new guy so it should be a good test of his integrity and his ability to assess/remedy customers concerns.



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1998 f150 4.6 auto.
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Good luck! I hope he does the right thing for you.

 

I might be off base here but I just got rid of a dakota R/T that had the same noise. I found out from the Dakota R/T mailing list that lots of others had the same problem.
What it turned out to be is the catalytic converter.It sounds farout but I thought the bottom end on my truck was gone and it only had 10,000kms on it.It was the same thing with only hearing it in drive sitting at a idle.It was a definite knock but as it turns out there is some kind of brick in the converter breaks loose and bouces free inside.
Just thought you might want to give it a shot.
Black 2000 XLT RC/Flare/4x4orp
5.4

[This message has been edited by RWL (edited 02-23-2000).]

 

As I suspected the dealer didn't find any obvious problems, but at least I have it on record. I still have 10,000 km left on the warranty so hopefully if it's a serious defect it will become more noticeable.


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1998 f150 4.6 auto.
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