F-150 rattle

Tiny
MULEMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1915 FORD F-150
The check engine light came on my 2001 F150 v6 with automatic transmission 4x4 at 80,000 miles. I had 2 O2 sensors replaced because it was running lean. After repair I have an engine chatter or rattle similar to valves rattling but it is not. I put 89 and 91 octane in truck and it did not help. A mechanic changed oil to 15w40 and that did not work. The Ford dealership said its the catalytic converters but they do not rattle when you hit them with a rubber hammer. Midas agrees it is not the converter. The rattle is louder when pulling a trailer but can be heard without a load. Can you help me.
Tuesday, October 16th, 2007 AT 2:24 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
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  • 10 POSTS
2 1/2 months without a reply. Does this mean that no one has an answer?
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Friday, December 28th, 2007 AT 8:03 AM
Tiny
INDYUKE
  • MECHANIC
  • 416 POSTS
I don't know. You have me stumped. Does it sound like a detonation, or is it more like a sheet metal rattle? Perhaps they forgot to tighten an exhaust shield after installing the 02 sensors. But from what you describe it sounds like it's dependant on engine load.
An exhaust leak that sounds like a rattle or that vents exhaust against something causing a rattle. These are some ideas. I hope it helps.
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Friday, December 28th, 2007 AT 10:29 PM
Tiny
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The truck has to be in gear and running. An exhaust leak would rattle without being in gear
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Monday, January 7th, 2008 AT 11:09 AM
Tiny
INDYUKE
  • MECHANIC
  • 416 POSTS
The only thing I can think is there might be a possibility that something had be loosened or removed to install the O2 sensors, and it wasn't tightened back up.
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Tuesday, January 8th, 2008 AT 11:16 AM
Tiny
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One year later, the check engine light came on for the same codes. It seems Ford has lot of problems with the check engine lights. I have run across others who have this engine rattle but could not resolve it. Does anyone have an answer yet?
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Tuesday, November 25th, 2008 AT 11:23 AM
Tiny
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Indyuke,

What would have to be removed to replace the sensors that would cause an engine rattle similar to a valve tap?
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Wednesday, December 10th, 2008 AT 11:55 AM

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