I have a loud knocking noise in my 97 F150 with only 77,000 miles on it. Sounds like a rod knocking but hopefully this is not what it is. Any information on what this could be or has anyone elese experienced this same problem.

 

More than likely just predetonation (pinging.) Reved up, these trucks can ping loud enough you'd think it's a rod. Unfortunately, there are a lot of possibilities that can potentially cause pinging. It's really just a matter of where you want to start. Try some fuel injection cleaner to start with, clean your MAF sensor, and check your plugs. You may also look into cleaning out the EGR system and the throttle body. If that doesn't do it, I'd recommend a chip (many of us have found the problem is atleast partially computer related after trying just about everything else.) I've currently got an offer from Ford to pay for 2/3's of a new paint job due to the paint cracking, so I'm trying to hurry up and come up with my 1/3 of the paint job. The second I get that out of the way though, I'm getting a chip to hopefully get rid of this pinging that's came back here in the last few weeks as the temperatures have cooled down. If you think your problem is pinging (sounds about like a marble bouncing around inside your engine) if you want to read more about it just do a search for 'ping' or 'pingers club.' Unfortunately, you'll get a lotta results back.

 

Go to the V-6 board. I can give you all the particulars here but read there and you will understand your problem. You have had a timing cover gasket fail. That is a rod knock you are hearing. I speak from firsthand experience. I unfortunately have learned alllll about this problem.

This is a HOT topic over on the V-6 board.

 

Thanks for the info guys, unfortunatly it sounds like TallToms reply.I have had the gasket repalced on the timing cover before the recall ever happened when it was still under warranty. Just wondering how much longer the engine will last with this knock. I've been driving it for a weak, now the check engine light has come on this morning on my drive to work. What are my options for repairing this problem should I buy a new engine or rebuild the old one or buy a used engine from a salvage yard from a 99 or newer. I love my truck and can't belive its fixing to let me down I have never had a problem at all except for the water leak the one time. Heck.... the motor is not even dirty and I am going to have to change it, but I have got to come up with an economical way to fix it and quickly. By the way this is a great website an any info on this problem is greatly appreciated.

 

J. Harvey,

Are you losing coolant from the recovery tank??? If you are, then
it certainly could be a rod.

If you're not losing coolant, then it may just be carbon build-up in the combustion chamber and EGR system causing spark knock.

 

I am only having to add coolant when the oil is changed , about a half gallon in the recovery tank. Its been very hot this summer in TN and did'nt think that was a lot to lose due to heat but there are no leaks on the out side nor is there water in the oil, I always change the oil myself using Motorcraft oil and filters and have never seen water in the oil. This is a very loud knocking noise not a ping, I mean when you drive threw a parking lot everyone turns and stairs at what is coming there way. If it is the MAF sensor or EGR systems what is the procedure for cleaning these?

 

I had the same problem @ 62000 miles. Had the timing chain cover gasket repalced for recall and a week later the knocking noise appeared. My dealer said the rear main bearing was bad. I found out on this very site alot of people were having the same problem. This was cause by a poor fitting gasket on the cover that they had changed. It allowed anit-freeze to get into my oil. My dealer replaced my engine at no charge, so fight this if you can. Good Luck!!!