mousejockey

I have a 2006 FX4, 5.4. While towing uphill towards the end long grades I get a rattling type noise that goes away when I back off. The temp gauge is straight up the center of the scale so it doesn't seem to be hot. (at least where the sensor is) I was towing a fairly heavy trailer, maybe 6-7000 lbs? I have a heavy duty trailer and we're moving so it's a guess. The temps were 50's at most.

The Ford specs say 9200 lbs towing capacity but I should be well under that.

I had a similar issue several years ago towing a TT uphill but it sounded more like the valve train on the drivers side, again I was basing my level of pushing it on the temp gauge.

I'm thinking I'll put on a trans and oil cooler since we are planning on buying a travel trailer but I'd like to know what's going on.

Also what are the recommended coolers.

Thanks
Myles

Dirttracker18

Timing chain rattle. Mine does that too from time to time on long grades under heavy load. Very likely you need to redo the entire timing assembly. It should survive the trip, mainly just an annoyance for you but should be addressed at some point.

RLXXI

Try a higher octane fuel.
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MT-Ford

Yep, I have an older F250 with the 460 and I have to run high octane while under heavy load or it rattles/pings like crazy.

Gene K

I can't hear it so can't say if it's detonation or timing chain rattle. Run a couple of bottles of Gumout Regane or Chevron Techron (Helps clean carbon deposits) through it and try pulling a hill with 93 octane. If it reduces or goes away it's detonation. Run an occasional bottle of Regane or Techron through it and run higher octane when towing. I had to do this with my old 5.9L Magnum Dodge or it "rattled".