I just dropped my 97 F-150 at my local dealer for the check engine light and also valve rattling & a weird whining sound from the engine. They came back and told me that the K&N filter charger was the cause of the whining and valve rattling. He said that the K&N filter allowed excess dirt to get into my engine, which I think is BS. They said I had to have some parts cleaned (valves,etc.) which would be about $140.
Can someone please let me know what I should do?

 

Unless the filter was installed improperly, there should be no reason to think that it allows more dirt than any other filter. Some F150's come from the dealers with them!

When are you hearing the rattle and whine?

Maybe you've got piston slap?

Your rattling could be caused by a faulty oil filter (no anti-drainback valve), or low-oil. Your better bet might even be dirty fuel. I would think Hawaii (if that's where you live) would be pretty rough with all of the salt in the air, but even that shouldn't affect the internal components.

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Model: '99 F150 Lariat Supercab 4x4 SS Mechs: 5.4L, 3.73 Diff (9.75" LSD Rear, 8.8" Front)
ORP: Skid Plates, LT265/70R17 GY Wrang. AT/S
Group III towing: HD Electrical/Cooling, GVWR 6500# (Extra leaf spring).
Stuff: Step Bars, 4W Disc ABS, K&N filter, 0W-30 Series 2k Amsoil @ 8200 miles
Stock Items That Differ Across F150s: Steel Driveshaft, Oil filter bolted to engine w/ drip guard, 4R70W transmission.



[This message has been edited by michael_hovis (edited 07-25-2000).]

 

I agree with Michael,
The K&N is not the problem, unless as was said it was installed improperly. Tell your dealer that Ford is using and selling K&N Filters, the only difference is they are blue.
They need to look somewhere else to find your problem. Good luck with it.

 

Hawaiinboy:
K&N makes filters for Ford...have a look.

HIGH PERFORMANCE AIR FILTERS

MOTORSPORT HIGH PERFORMANCE AIR FILTERS NEW



Ford Motorsport SVO is proud to announce the arrival of its new line of high performance, Ford racing blue, air filters for most popular Ford applications. These filters are produced to Ford Motorsport SVO specifications by K&N Engineering, Inc. With 44 fuel injection applications this new line-up promises to have something for almost everyone, including two universal cone filters. This product reduces restriction in the intake system. These new filters are reusable because they can be cleaned and re-oiled, with the Ford Motorsport SVO filter recharger kit, for years of service. Ford Motorsport SVO offers car kits for most popular applications from Escort to Taurus, and truck kits from Aerostar to Windstar, and of course Mustang and F-150 kits. Additionally we offer fuel injection performance kits and off-road performance kits.

UNIVERSAL CONE FILTERS 7" long, 3.5" flange, 4-5/8" diameter tapering to 3.5" Not legal for sale or use on pollution-controlled motor vehicles.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE FORD MOTORSPORT TECH "HOT LINE" AT 810-468-1356

http://www.oemfordparts.com/partdeta...&CategoryID=47

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'99 F150 SC, 4x2, Oxford white, flareside, 5.4, 3.55 rearend,
bodyside mouldings, Snuglid hard tonneau, K&N dropin, airbox and frsh air mods.
Duraliner drop-in (gave up on the Penda Nascar). Gibson Supertruck. Ford 2-piece bra. Catch-All floor mats. Image tail light covers. B-Quiet sound dampener in rear of cab. **** pile rug protecing spare tire (Raoul made me enter this)
No door cracks yet at 13K!!!


[This message has been edited by Marv1 (edited 07-25-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Marv1 (edited 07-25-2000).]