Here we go..

I just recieved my 2001 from the factory about 2 weeks ago. She just turned 1k today and I am hearing a metal tapping when the truck is at 30-50% throttle and the rev's are between 2-35k. If it is more throttle or higher rev's the sound is not there or it is there however the louder engine noise drowns out the tapping.

I heard it about 4 days ago. It may have been there before but I was playing nice with the truck and really didn't have the lead foot that has magically appeared now.

I have read about the piston slapping with the other 5.4's..any reports about the '01 and this? Honestly it sounds to "light" to be a slap. I checked the oil yesterday, right in the middle of where it belongs. It did have a "funny" smell to it (that is as descriptive as I can get at this time.) Since this is my first "brand new" vechicle I really don't know what to expect.

Ideas Anyone?

FYI Regarding posts I have read regarding motor oil, the 2001 manual/oil cap says to use 5W-20. Is 5W-20 common? I have always heard 5-30,10-30,10-40,20-50. Can't recall hearing 5-20 before.

Regards!

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2001 F-150XLT, Silver, 4X4, AOD, 5.4L, 3.55LS, 17in Rubber, Sport Package, Bedliner, Sliding Rear Window and A partridge in a pear tree...

 

LeatherRebel, welcome to the boards!

In my opinion, I think what you are hearing is lifter noise. My 99 4.6 romeo has this same sound. It would only occur under load (like during acceleration), almost sounded like knocking. Changing to Mobil1 synthetic oil and a good filter with anti-drainback valve and using 89 octang gas has pretty much eliminated the tapping in my truck.
As far as the 5w20, that may be a typo. Ford calls for 5w30 in all its vehicles(as far as I know).

Hope this helps and again welcome to the boards.

Hobbit

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99 XLT,4.6L Auto,4X4,tow pkge,Factory Side Steps and Mudflaps, K&N filter,BugflectorII, Amazon Green/Silver, Pace Edwards Rolltop Cover, still want a Superchip and by golly I'm gonna get one (just as soon and I hit the lottery )

 

I was talking with a FORD dealer mechanic the other day, getting his opinion on motor oils and he mentioned to me that the new tritons comming out will use a even lighter motor oil "5W20". I wasn't sure if he knew what he was talking about...but i guess this proves he does.

(I wonder if this is an attempt to mask or prevent "Piston slap". I have heard of people switching to a 0W30 or a synthetic and the PS sound being almost eliminated...mabey ford heard about this too...lol)

Keep us up to date on how that 2001 is doing.

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1999 F-150 XLT SuperCab 2WD, Gold/Tan, 5.4L
MFG date 5/99
Mobile1/802s

 

Thanks for the info everyone.

I spent an hour driving to work today listening to the tap. What came to mind while I was driving was this...

In Monty Python's Search for the Holy Grail, there was a peon riding around with the king making horse noises. If instead of banging 2 coconuts togother for the horse sound, he was banging 2 aluminun pullys at say...2500 times a minute that would be the sound that I hear.

Strange enough (or maybe not), I can't here the noise when I'm under the hood, only in the cab.

Regarding the Oil Issue, can someone please give me an idea on where to look about the differnt types of oil weights and what they mean/do. I am no novice when it comes to cars, the situtaion that i have had is that all the cars/trucks/jeep's that I have owned have always been about 10 years old and good 'ol 10-30 worked and if there was a problem (tune up, brakes, clean carbon from the intake mainifold, etc..) I would spend the day fixing it. Now that has changed.

Sorry for the long posts, i just don't want to F@#% anything up...i am a wreck just thinking about that first scratch!!



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2001 F-150XLT, Silver, 4X4, AOD, 5.4L, 3.55LS, 17in Rubber, Sport Package, Bedliner, Sliding Rear Window and A partridge in a pear tree...

 

I got my 1999 XLT 4x2 in Feb. of 99, but a few months ago I noticed a noise when the engine was under load, like you mentioned about 2-3000RPM. It sounded somewhat like engine knock. I tried to use 89 octane gas, if appeared to mask it somewhat, but I can still hear it. Mine also disappears after 2nd gear and higher speeds. I am taking mine in next week to hear what they have to say.

Richie
rb@mindspring.com

 

My tuck has developed what sounds like a lifter noise and it is also not evident unless it is under a load around a minimum of 2K RPM. It also only happens when it's cold. Does your sound only happen when its cold or is it at all times?

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1999 F-150 Lariat, 5.4, 3.55 Ratio, Deep Wedgewood/Gold, Tan Leather interior, LineX bedliner, NO DOOR CRACKS.

 

Tim,
When does your truck make this noise? Is after startup until it is warm, or all day?

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1999 F-150 XLT SuperCab 2WD, Gold/Tan, 5.4L
MFG date 5/99
Mobile1/802s

 

Did I say lifter noise? Must of had a brain fart. I ment valve noise (like valve chatter). Mobil1 fixed me up.

Sorry for the brain fart.

Hobbit

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99 XLT,4.6L Auto,4X4,tow pkge,Factory Side Steps and Mudflaps, K&N filter,BugflectorII, Amazon Green/Silver, Pace Edwards Rolltop Cover, still want a Superchip and by golly I'm gonna get one (just as soon and I hit the lottery )

 

Tim,

I hear mine all the time. It does not seem that the weather or temp of the engine makes any difference. I ran a tank of 93 octane with no change in the sound.

For right now I will keep an ear on it and let you know if there are any changes


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2001 F-150XLT SuperCab, Silver, 4X4, AOD, 5.4L, 3.55LS, 17in Rubber, Sport Package, Bedliner, Sliding Rear Window and A partridge in a pear tree...