Well, you need to give us a bit more information. What year truck? Which engine? What brand of oil filter? Does it only happen after sitting overnight?

If this is a '97 or newer with a Triton engine, you're using an oil that's not approved for our engines. 5W-30 is the oil that's called for because it flows better when cold and will get to the top of the engine a lot faster than what you're now using.

The oil filter is important too because if you use the wrong or cheap filter, it will allow the oil from the top of then engine to drain back down into the oil pan. The Ford/Motorcraft filter has a silicon valve that prevents this.

So, I suggest you change to the correct oil and Motorcraft filter right away and see if that doesn't stop the noise. If it doesn't and you have the 5.4L engine, you might have the infamous piston slap.

Otherwise, it could be something else as simple as a bad serpentine belt or pulley.

 

I apologize, Its a 98' Triton V-8.. I will try the above if it ever stops raining here, and let you know. By the way, is that oil viscosity ok at 50K miles?

 

It is entirely possible that it is something more than just the weight of oil you used, however, I would absolutely get the 10W-40 out as soon as possible. It is not an energy conserving oil and is not really designed to be used in the Triton motor. I live in the deep south (100-105+ during the summer sometimes) and only use 5W-30 oil...without any problem.

The owners manual specifically calls for 5W-30 and does not give you the option of using a heavier oil. FORD has denied warranty claims after it was determined that a heavier oil than what was required was used. You do not need to use 10W-40 oil in the Triton motor. Castrol is great oil..so the brand is not the problem. I have used it for the better part of 15 years.

Also, I would recommend avoiding FRAM filters in the F-150. The one time I installed one (in my 98 5.4L)...the engine rattled pretty bad after a cold start. I thought I had the cold engine knock (piston slap), but did not have it until I put the FRAM on. I took it off after about a week of this..and the problem was gone! I had used FRAM in my other vehicles for many, many years without a problem...but for some reason (poor design and plastic anti-drain valve) they are not the best choice for our trucks. I cut one open and was not impressed with its cardboard end caps and of course, it did not have a silicon valve. There are much better filters out there.

Good luck!

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2000 F-150 XLT, 4x2, 5.4L Supercab, Superchip, Styleside, Black with silver two-tone, 3.55 rear, class III towing package with heavy duty cooling package, Heavy duty shocks, 4 wheel disk ABS, overhead console, sliding rear window, keyless entry, dark graphite interior, in dash CD, factory leather wrapped steering wheel, FORD bedliner, FORD black tubular cab steps, K&N air filter, mar-hyde rubberized undercoating, Modine climate filtration system, Bugflector II, Mobil 1 oil and filter




[This message has been edited by Dustoff (edited 10-03-2000).]

 

My truck make a clacking noise in the engine every morning at first start. I have heard this could be the lifters. I just noticed the noise after I made my first oil change. I’ve only had the truck for 3000 miles. The truck has 50K miles. I used CASTROL 10W 40 oil.. do you think this might be the problem?

 

Well guys, i just dropped it off at Ford today, but they won't take a look at it until maybe tomorrow or the following day. I will advise once i know what happened... peace...Keep on F-TRUCKING....

 

Hey out there,

I have a 2000 Lariat super cab, 4.6, Automatic, and at first start every morning it clacks too? any help?

wes

 

I had to respond on this one. I just got out from under mine (98 4x4 4.6 61000 miles) The rod bearings on one crank journal were burnt up do to the small pickup opening being clogged. It would hold pressure at idle but under higher rpms it would not have the oil to lube and lost oil pressure.. Any way the problem is in the pickup tube in the morning.Its 18" long and pulls 5" up hill before it ever reaches the pump.And when the motor fires right off and revs to 2000 it has no oil on top. Thats lifters, rocker arms, cam bearings. Get something in the motor that will stick to the metal (Slick 50,Pro long,Dura lube and sythetic oil)We always crank our race motors several seconds until pressure builds on the gauge before flipping the ignition switch. You cant do that on our trucks though.An additive and sythetic will bond more to the metal instead of just draing back to the oil pan overnight.As for the oil The triton oil clearance is .0011 to .0027 our race cranks are specially ground with .0030 oil clearance for less friction(More Horsepower) They are considered LOOSE and wouldnt last long as daily drivers.We run 20-50 syntec to cushion the bearing to crank contact.I cant beleive ford recomends a thin oil with these clearances and weather variations.A thin oil that reaches 200 plus deg. in the summer is not going to provide much lubrication.Probably like 3 in one oil.But at winter 5 deg. or so it much thicker. My pointe is as temperature changes so should your oil.Its more than just lubricatio like 3 in one oil is or w-d 40 it is a layer between your bearings and metal part.The new valve trains are dual cam ,dual timing chain and roller rocker arm.Adding up to dual cost at rebuild so protect them and dont always trust what is recommended. We all have been around the block a time or two.And who would benefit most if your truck doesnt last long AFTER WARRANTY. The dealership because you want a new one. Sorry so long but its a sore subject right now and there are ways to prevent these oil problems. "No oil no motor"
See Ya! Fords rule! We Race and Win...LOL

 

Yee, what a coincidence, the truck does not seem to make the clacking noise at the dealership (that's what they tell me now)They will try a little bit later and let me know the outcome... Whatever they say next i want them to start it up in front of me so that i can make them hear right...(Smack them in the ear if i have to)Well i will update you...

 

Guess what guys? The truck incredibly made the noise today when i went over to Ford and took a look under hood with the service manager.. Now they tell me that they are not sure what it is.. I will let you guys know as soon as i do..

 

Well peeps... After further review, and a call to Ford Motor Company, The Dealer is now installing a new engine in my truck, because they state the noise is internal. Has anyone in here ever has a new 4.6 installed by Ford? What have been the results? Any information will be appreciated..