anyone familar with a rattling noise when first starting up the engine? It goes away after a while. I'm just gonna get it in for service.

 

Piston slap-do a search and decide if your noise is the same

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Silver 2000 Built 5/26/00
#3299 of 4966
Bone Stock
SnugTop Tonneau Cover

 

There are hundreds of postings regarding this topic. You should become informed and discuss this with your service manager. As I understand it, somewhere between 1 in 500 and 1 in 2000 owners may have excessive cylinder bore clearance resultin in a "knock" that is evident only on cold start-ups and that should disappear as the engine warms up. Remedy is a specially rebuilt engine that an be installed at little or no cost. Ford states (and I believe) that this is not a reliabilty or performance issue and that their tests have indicated these engines will last as long as those without the knock. I have 62,000 on my '99 and almost always allow the engine to warm-up before driving when it is cold outside. To me it's just common sense. I personally have not noticed anything from truck that I would characterize as "unusual" - I expect it to make some sounds if it is cold, and I wouldn't ask it to start working hard without a little warm-up.

[This message has been edited by JimCaudill (edited 06-29-2001).]

 

Most likely piston slap. There are a few people here who have over 100k on a slap-happy motor without problems. You can always opt for the replacement engine, also referred to as an FQR but personally I'd just ask the dealer for a 100k ESP instead of replacing the motor.

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My New Baby: 2001 F-150 XLT Sport 4x4. 5.4L, S/C, S/S, Bright Red, Dark Graphite Int., 3.55, Class III Tow/Heavy Duty Cooling, 4 wheel disc ABS, Overhead Console, Factory In-Dash CD, Remote Keyless Entry.

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2000 Polaris Sportsman 500, Camo Green, 4x4, 499cc 4-stroke, independent suspension, shaft drive, 4 wheel disc brakes, etc.