So far I have a little over 3000 miles on my 99. The build date is April 9, 1999. Here are my questions for anybody willing to rehash this and give me a straight answer. How obvious is the piston slap issue? I consider myself knowlegable in the fact that I know when somethings wrong with my truck. I just want to be sure that if I have this problem...I can figure it out right away. Number two. The leaking oil issue. I haven't smelled any oil yet, but cleaning the garage I noticed a few drops on the floor. If a guy gets under the hood and looks for a while, is it easy enough to see where this leak is at, or am I looking at putting dye in the crankcase to diagnose it.
Thanks for your input guys.

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99 XLT 5.4L Ext Cab 4x4 ORP Waldoch - 3.55LS, grey/blue leather, wood dash and door inserts, Lund Deflector, Trenz Billet Antennae...and too many things on my want list!
1977 1/2 F250 4x4 "Low Boy" 400-4spd

 

The oil will come from the psgrs side rear at the head and leak down onto the H-pipe of the exhaust. Go out and get on the gas pedal and if you have the leak it will get worse quick!

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1999 F150 XLT 4X4 S/C,5.4,Wht,ORP,Pwr seats,Infinity/Alpine, Nerf Bars, Glasstite Targa Sport Topper, K&N, Tow Pkg.

 

In my case the Piston Slap noise was unmistakable. At first (before I found this board) I thought it was a lifter sticking. Boy was I wrong.

Good luck

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1999 Super Cab XLT
Windsor 5.4 V8 complete w/ Piston Slap at no extra charge (Thank you very much)
Intake Silencer Removed
White w/ Grey interior
LoJack Anti-Theft System
Bug Deflector
Aluminum Tool Box
Bed Mat
CCA Redfish Decal
TTMB Sheepshead Decal

 

My engine build date is in the same month as yours, ND-BMW. I haven't had any problems and I'm getting close to 9000 miles.

My wife and I just moved from Minneapolis last September when my company in Burnsville shut down. I assume you're originally from North Dakota?

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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.

 

michael_hovis:

Small World! Yes I am originally from ND, and will always be a ND boy at heart. I take it you worked at FRSI. I worked at Rosemount in Chanhassen and my roommate worked at FRSI in Burnsville. I have since moved out from under the Emerson umbrella. Thanks for the info guys.

 

Engine Noise- Thanks, I was wondering what that noise was on cold mornings. Mine has started doing this with 7k on the odometer.
Just like you say, it sounds like lifter noise and without reading this forum I would not have known.

2000 Red/Gold S/C 4x4 Off-Road

 

Hey Nd, I had both problems and since have had my engine replaced.
As far as the piston slap goes it doesn't last terribly long and it's definitely worse the colder it is. It is easily noticeable, especially if your in a garage and listening for it.
I too found a little oil on the garage floor and could see nothing from up top, however, when I layed down on the creeper and got underneath it was easy to spot and follow up to it's origin. I was lucky and the dealer decided to replace the engine for the slap alone.

 

ND-BMW, haven't looked at this thread in a long time. I worked at the Burnsville site. Who was your roommate? If I throw a guess and am correct, what are the chances? Is it Shawn Usry? If so, is he still at Beckman-Coulter?

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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.

 

mike:
You sure are awful close. My roommate was Curry Sandven. However, I've known Shawn since high school. Yes he still works at Beckman-Coulter, and so do I now. Small world.


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99 XLT 5.4L SC 4x4 ORP Wedgewood Waldoch - 3.55LS, grey/blue leather, wood dash and door inserts, Lund Deflector, Trenz Billet Antennae, Clear Corner Lenses...and too many things on my want list!
1977 1/2 F250 4x4 "Low Boy" 400-4spd

 

I was an inch away from working at BC, but the better offer came from FRSI... ciest la vie. Say hi to Shawn for me, and ask him if he ever finished his car mp3 player.

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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.