Hey guys, first post and great site by the way. Anyway, my '99 SCab Lariat with 5.4 and 21,500 miles developed a ticking noise in the motor. No loss of performance or gas mileage or anything like that, just an annoying little ticking noise. I took it to the dealer, and after a couple of day, they told me we don't know what is causing the noise. (this is the kicker) So, we are just gonna replace the whole motor. Just like that? I asked. Yes sir was the reply. They then had me take the truck home while they ordered the new motor. They have had it for a week now, and I get it back tomorrow. All this just for a little ticking noise. Is this normal? Thanks!

 

<enter dramatic music> Welcome to the site man!

Well, don't worry. It's happened to the best of us on this site. What you have is the dreaded "piston slap." Good thing you caught it before warranty was out b/c these engines are not cheap to replace. That is the standard treatment; you've got a good dealer to replace the engines without all the BS.

Piston slap is caused by the skirts of the piston literally slapping up against the walls of the cylinder. Although this doesn't produce any IMMEDIATE problems, other than an annoying ticking sound, long term effects can be drastic.

Once again, welcome aboard; don't hesitate to ask any other questions.

-Flea

 

Hey Ford fan can you tell me which dealer agreed to replace your engine so willingly? I'm in Houston and would like to know for future reference. There is definitely[B] a difference in dealer service departments and I'd like to do business witha good one for a change. Thanks!

 

I used Lone Star Ford, on 45 north. Very good and very busy.

 

Did the 2000 5.4 have this problem?

 

I went to Lone Star when I was looking for a used F-150, and their salesmen were a little too enthusiastic for me. It seemed they were trying to force me into a descision. I'm glad to hear their svc. dept. is that good. I ended up at Tommie Vaughn, and don't regret it a bit. Their are great dealers in Houston, you just have to ask around to find them. Good deal, Ford_fan!!,,,,98

 

I had just the opposite experience with them. Bought my new SuperCrew from them. Learned about the itty bitty radiator from this board. It took six calls to the service manager to even get him to call me back and when he did, it was to foist me off onto another flunky who said he would check with "fleet sales" who would know the answer, and then get back to me. Naturally, he didn't. Took three more calls to this clown, before I got him so he could tell me I got the "right" radiator. Took three more calls to get to the "customer service manager" and again, she didn't return calls. When I finally got her, I got the same BS again about having the "right" radiator.

I agree with the other posters, too.... really pushy ***, pain in the *** sales people. I mean, what kind of sh#thead comes back to an experienced buyer with a price that is $500 OVER the sticker price, then acts like he is giving yo a deal.

I wouldn't let Lone Star within 50 feet of my truck, and I highly recommend that if you don't want a real hard sell, sh#tty buying experience, that you shop elsewhere.

PS: In the meanwhile, while hassling with Lone Star over my radiator, I called Jack Roach Ford... asked them about the radiator. Even though I didn't not buy my truck there, they put in the 2.02" radiator without so much as a question, and at no cost to me. Guess where my business goes?

 

I used to work in the Jack Roach bodyshop, good to hear that they were helpful,,,,98