Engine noise

Tiny
LUCIUS7
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 FORD F-150
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 73,000 MILES
On a cold start there is a slight to moderate valve clatter that essentially stops as soon as the engine begins to warm or after driving a short distance. Truck has been maintained at regular intervals at a Ford dealership. It was relayed to me by a service writer that the only way to remedy the noise was to "get a new engine" I know some Ford engines sound like this but still last a long time, and replacing the motor seems a little extreme.
Monday, February 4th, 2019 AT 4:14 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

The first concern I have is this. Is the correct oil weight and oil filter being used? Next, how long does the noise last?

If the sound is very brief, chances are the engine is fine and will last a long time.

Let me know what oil weight is being used and what brand filter is used.

Joe
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Monday, February 4th, 2019 AT 7:33 PM
Tiny
BMDOUBLE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,139 POSTS
Sounds like the stereotypical timing chain start-up “wrap”. Or could even be a leaking down roller follower. Depends on the sound.
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Monday, February 4th, 2019 AT 9:14 PM
Tiny
LUCIUS7
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thanks for the information. The repair invoices from the dealership say 5W-20 oil, so I would assume that is being used. I know a Motorcraft filter is being used. I was looking at another forum where a mechanic was discussing engine noise and thought it might be an exhaust manifold leak, since the noise went away when the engine started to warm up. After listening this morning, I could see that is a possibility. The noise has never been that loud, and the motor is relatively quiet after it starts to warm up, two to three minutes.
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Tuesday, February 5th, 2019 AT 6:26 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Welcome back:

I have to be honest, Ford has had some issues with exhaust manifold leaks. When they start to leak, it sounds like a ticking sound. When the engine warms up, the steel expands and the sound goes away.

Do this. Get a helper. Open the hood when the engine is cold. Have the helper start the engine while you listen to the noise. Then have the helper rev the engine quickly. If the sound is the exhaust, it will get louder and then go away when the throttle is quickly released. Just a quick rev on the throttle.

Do this and let me know what you find.

Joe
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Tuesday, February 5th, 2019 AT 6:39 PM
Tiny
LUCIUS7
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  • 6 POSTS
Joe, tried the procedure and didn't really hear much of a change in pitch or volume. It was quite warm here today (SC) but the truck had not been started for over 24 hours. My hearing is not that acute but I think the sound is in the engine. The exhaust manifold is pretty rusted but I think all the bolts are in place. Salt is seldom used on the roads here: the truck originally belonged to someone in Virginia, where it might have had some exposure.
The engine has not yet had any sort of tuneup. I have on occasion used an injector cleaner in the gas, nothing stronger.
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Wednesday, February 6th, 2019 AT 11:48 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Welcome back:

I would wait until the temperature drops enough to make a difference. As far as rust and the bolts being tight, that usually isn't normally the cause of the leak but rather the gasket itself, the manifold warps from heat, or a crack in the manifold itself.

You may be 100% correct. It could be in the engine. However, this is a good engine and with only 73,000 on it, there really shouldn't be engine problems, but anything is possible.

See if there is a change when the temperature drops.

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, February 6th, 2019 AT 8:07 PM
Tiny
LUCIUS7
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Joe, I don't know if this thread is still active or not. I apologize for not responding but I severely injured my back and have been completely worthless for over two weeks.

We had some colder weather but the engine noise is pretty much the same when starting up almost nonexistent after it warms up. At the last oil change an "oil treatment" was suggested by the dealership and used; I have not noticed any change.

Gene Lucius
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Wednesday, March 20th, 2019 AT 3:16 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Welcome back:

I'm sorry to hear that and hope you are feeling better. Nothing is worse than back pain.

Did the dealer check if it was a manifold leak?
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Wednesday, March 20th, 2019 AT 6:36 PM
Tiny
LUCIUS7
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Thanks for responding after so long. No mechanic has checked it specifically for the noise. I plan to take it to someone next week if I can get around by then.
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Thursday, March 21st, 2019 AT 12:40 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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No problem. Let me know what they tell you or if I can help in any way.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, March 21st, 2019 AT 7:06 PM

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