Slight rattle on cold start?
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Gretna, la
Slight rattle on cold start?
I've noticed a slight rattle on a a cold start for a couple of months now. I was thinking it was just the exhaust but would like some input/experiences on this. It sounds like it's under the truck but really can't tell since I've never had someone start it while I listened outside of my truck.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: Birmingham, Alabama
If it's coming from under the truck, then I'd go with exhaust also. You could have something loose like a heat shield or connection in the exhaust. Then when everything heats up and metal expands, it all tightens up. Just a possibility.
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Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Starkville, MS
if you arent using motorcraft oil filters... its the beginning of issues. Although the 2v's rattle almost all the time and none have issues. Its just building pressure up until the tensioners get oil and tighten up the chain. Motorcraft filters have a drainback valve designed by ford to prevent the pressure from escaping as fast as a normal cheapo. So when you crank the oil is there
Junkyard Crusader
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 343
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From: Lubbock, Texas
Yeah its most likely your timing chain having slack in it right at start up. Tensioners take a second to get pressure on start up so the rattling for a split second is normal, i think most ford OHC engines do it, my 2003 2v sure as hell does
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Gretna, la
I have the 5.4 3v, hopefully it's part of my 6 yr old aftermarket exhaust. I use motorcraft every time I change oil which is usually at 4k-5k miles. I use motorcraft synth blend.
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Joined: Dec 2014
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From: Louisville, KY
Im not ruling out the tensioners, but it very well could be the honey comb in your catalytic convertor has a couple broken pieces in it and rattles when it gets that first burst of pressure through the exhaust. But if it is your cats you will know within the next few months when your truck starts stuttering when driving but other than that i would just go with tensioners tightening up in the morning, plus you got to think its an internal part so most of that sound travels through the exhaust and is louder at start up especially with an aftermarket exhaust.