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Piston slap - Ford f-150 Triton 5.4

Has anybody had this problem?

I bought my ford in June and after 2000 km of driving a ticking noise appeared under the hood. I took my truck to the dealer and was told it was piston slap and was normal. After a an exchange of viewpoints on the issue, they continued to refuse to do anything about it and said Fold claims it is normal. The problem has since become much worse and I am taking it back in. I have looked all over the web for information on Piston Slap with recent model Fords, only to discover this was a known problem with Ford in 99-00 trucks, but the '04 has been built to reduce piston slap (longer Piston skirts). I can't find any other information.

Aside from the iritating noise, my resale value has dropped substantially.

John

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Ford is not alone in Piston Slap complaints. I test drove three different

4.7L Tundras and they all did it. Chevrolet has also had a lot of complaints about Piston Slap. I think this is a product of manufacturers trying to squeeze the maximum fuel economy out of engines.

I owned two Expeditions with the 5.4L engines ('97 and '03). When cold the '03 would sometimes make a light tapping noise. Changing oil brands seemed to have an effect.

Are you sure it is piston slap? There has been an issue with the 5.4 lifters making a similar noise. Does the noise go away after the engine warms up? If not, I doubt if it is piston slap. Is it louder under hard acceleration? If this is the case, it could be an exhaust manifold leak due to a broken stud.

Did "Ford" claim it was normal, or did the dealership claim it was normal. They are not the same thing. If you are dissatisfied, ask to see the zone rep. Will the engine "always" make the noise (i.e., if the zone rep agrees to talk to you, will the engine make the noise)? Have you been using the correct oil (5W20)? Have you had a non-Ford mechanic listen to the noise?

Ed

Reply to
C. E. White

Thanks Ed,

You are exactly right, after two trips into the dealer I took it back and insisted the shop foreman take a look at it. I became suspicious when I read that the engine noise usually goes away after a few minutes, mine was present all the time. It was an exhaust manifold leak and they repaired it no charge.

They returned the truck to me thinking they had done me a favour. I am writing to their owner telling him how much stress it caused me not only thinking my trruck was now worthless on the market, but I spent a considerable amount of time trying to research the problem, even checked with law firms to see if theer are class action suits against Ford for this problem.

At least now my faith in my vehicle has been restored, more than I can say for the dealer.

Thank-you for writing back,

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