Started two days ago and getting louder. It's not down low it's in the valve train. You can really hear it as the RPM's fall back down toward idle. No noise at idle though. Also can't hear it driving the truck with the windows up and the air and radio on. This is a knock, not a tick. I have a driving school in two weeks and here we go with this *****. 67,000 miles on the 99 and it never made any noise. Any ideas? I don't really remember reading about many valve train problems with these engines.
Jerry

 

Jerry, have you changed the oil, in the 03 yet?

 

Damn Jerry, you got some baaaaaaaad luck with that new truck

 

I just talked to a service guy at a local dealership and I think he just told me what is wrong. He said the serpantine (sp) belt will make the exact noise I was describing if there is any oil on it. Well since I installed my RUSLOW under drive pulleys this weekend and I know I got some power stearing fluid on the pulley. So maybe that is what the problem is. He also said Ford just reissued a report for them to look for any under drive pulleys and to void the warranty if they are found. He said and I quote "do not bring your truck here for warranty service with under drive pulleys installed"! This was not just for Lightnings but for all Fords. He said to clean it off with WD40 and it would go away. Also he said to watch the idler pulleys and see if they are jumping when the truck makes the noise.

Jerry

 

BBQ, I changed it last week for the first time.....why? I'm going out now to try the WD40 (if I can find some here at work).

Jerry

 

Jerry: I know you said the tech told you to use WD40 to clean the belt and pulleys but I surely wouldn't. I'd be afraid it would soak into the rubber--and in the grooves and be a cause of future slippage.

I would take the belt off, clean the pulleys with brake cleaner and replace the belt with a new G/Y Gatorback preferably.

http://www.goodyearbeltsandhose.com/cars/gatopoly.html

Dan

 

Well I thought that had fixed it but it does not make the noise when cold. It gets louder at it gets to running temp.

Jerry

 

What weight oil are you using bro?

 

10-30 Valvoline

 

Damn, I just installed the underdrive pullies. There goes my warranty again.
BTW, Gatorback belts suck. This one only had a few thousand miles on it.

 

Youre installing 10W30 in a mod engine?


Drain that out and go with a 5w30 or 5w20....

 

What **** said ... If you saw where that oil had to go,
you would want it as thin as possible ... LOL

Same thing for the water/coolant ....

 

Jerry Jordan... I have had the same type noise in my 02 since day one.. Quiet at start up but I can hear it come in as it warms. I have tried all diff. oils including synthetic, no change.

An engine builder friend of mine (ford nut) believes it is the famous "piston slap" from offset. I have 4k on it and have been on his dyno a few times so he could hear it under load..I also have driven it hard with no change in noise level at all. (from original level)

I have learned to live with it as I do not want Ford to touch it and can't see tearing engine down unless it is needed. Just my personel feeling and thoughts, we are all different and you must be happy with your truck!!! goodluck... Jon