Tapping noise when started up and when accelerating?

CTISH84

MEMBER
2004 FORD EXPEDITION
5.4L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
250,000 MILES

My vehicle listed above makes a tapping noise when started up and when accelerating, what causes this and is it something that can be fixed?
Thanks, Crissy

Tuesday, March 25th, 2025 AT 4:07 PM

6 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
51,530 POSTS

Hello Crissy,

It sounds like you have an exhaust leak or a loose spark plug. Can you please upload a short video from your phone of the noise from under the hood so I can tell for sure?

Here is a guide for engine noises you can go over in the meantime:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-noises

Please go over this guide and get back to us.

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Thursday, March 27th, 2025 AT 9:44 AM

CTISH84

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4 POSTS

I hope this helps, thanks again.

Video (Click to make bigger)

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Thursday, March 27th, 2025 AT 2:26 PM

CTISH84

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I wanted to let the Mechanic know I just found out from the lady I bought my vehicle from that the oil hasn't been changed in 2 years. I know that's not good could that be what's causing the tapping noise?

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Friday, March 28th, 2025 AT 7:31 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
51,530 POSTS

Yes, I would change the oil and have a new filter, if this does not help it sounds like you have a roller follower or timing chain, that is the problem.

Please go over this video:

https://youtu.be/SI8UaVvjvEM?si=JhiMNcGGjOF8wrYP

Please let us know what happens.

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Friday, March 28th, 2025 AT 10:13 AM

CTISH84

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Got the oil changed and when I first started it up there was no tapping noise but after it was running for, I'm going to say maybe 2 minutes it started tapping again.

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Monday, March 31st, 2025 AT 2:32 PM

KEN L