Has anyone else had this problem??? It only does it when it is cold outside and after it sits all night "Ford" said it was the lifters rattling. It sounds like there is no oil in the motor. They said it was "normal"!! I have an oil filter with an anti-drain back valve on it. Would changing to a 0W-30 synthetic help?? My truck is a 1999 F-150 5.4L. Thanks!!!!!

 

If Ford told you it's lifter rattle. THEY LIED, The 5.4 is a single overhead cam engine. If you look at the front of the valve cover you will see a round timing gear cover. The cam is the rocker arm. I've heard it once or twice during real cold start-up. Can't help you on the cause tho.

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GOLD RUSH

'99 F150 XLT SC SB 4x2 Harvest Gold
Factory
5.4 - 3.55 limited slip - Trailer towing package - In-dash CD player

Aftermarket
Ford Beanie bear - Slip on extender mirrors - Powerstop brake controller - Covermaster C1000 topper with wing - BugflectorII Ventvisors (front&rear) - Ford Lumi Logo (Front & Rear)- Steelhorse Billet grill - Ford hitch cover - Yellow wire loom - Hyper White head light bulb - Painted to match AVS slotted taillight covers - Ford system 4 alarm - Clear turn signals - "Blazer" strip reflectors under tailgate - FORD script antenna painted to match - Cup holder courtesy lights - IonOptics driving lights as reverse lights - 12 Volt power outlet in bed - Power port/Cigarette lighter courtesy light - K&N filter W/ Airbox removed) - Matching steering wheel cover - Painted engine compartment -Airhorn (Compressor and 1 gallon tank) - 1 set 6" 150 watt sealed beam offroad lights (Black) - 1 set 5" 100 watt offroad lights (Black) - 1 set Rally 35 watt driving lights (used as DRL) - 55 watt curb side courtesy lights

On Order
1 set oval fog lights - White face gauge kit - Door sill protector (4 color matched)

Next who knows???

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It could very well be piston slap.

First you should verify that you're using the specified oil and filter. Wrong oil and/or filter can cause the tapping noise in the morning.

From what little info you have given us, I'd put my money on piston slap. It's something you can live with or you can get Ford to replace your engine with a new one if you're super lucky, or a rebuilt one that Ford calls an FQR (Ford Quality Replacemnt).

Personally, I would think twice about getting a different engine. Lots of people think that the piston slap won't cause a breakdown.

Anyway, open up the search screen and key in "piston slap" and you'll get a ton of posts on the subject.

 

My '99 did this, changing to Mobil-1 5w-30 made it go away instantly and it's not come back 20k miles later. I use the same $2.75 Motorcraft filters it came with.

 

I have heard this same "ticking" noise on my '99 5.4 but as you say only on cold starts. It is not piston slap. The noise is too light (if that makes sense).

And yes, these overhead cam motors do have hydraulic lifters. They're called lash adjusters now though. They are located adjacent to the cam lobes in the head, instead of in the block like a push rod motor, and there is one adjuster per valve.

For the record I use 5W-30 Mobil 1 and factory filters.

 

My 2000 5.4 did the same at cold start-up. Changed oil to 5w-30 mobil 1 and the problem never came back.

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2000- f150-7700

 

Thanks for all of your responses. The truck only has 24,000 miles on it. The rattle only occurrs for about 2-3 seconds and doesnt do it the rest of the day. I might go the mobile 1 route the next oil change. Thanks again!