Hope someone can offer some advice on resolving this issue. Have an '03 5.4 with about 110,000 miles. About 5,000 miles back it started making what I will describe as a valve train noise at startup. It is especially noticeable when it has been sitting anything more than 30 minutes. Only slightly noticeable on cold starts. The noise is reminiscent of an engine whose lifters have no oil. Am running factory spec oil which is changed every 3,000 miles. The gauges and lights indicate full oil pressure. The service manager at the shop I use says it is normal for F150's to do this and that there are millions out there doing the same thing.

My question: Is this normal and is the engine being damaged in any way?

Btw, the noise goes away after a minute or so.

Thanks for any help.

 

NO, this is not normal, ot these engines anyway. It's usually from using an insufficient oil filter without an anti-drain back valve. Fram filters are just one of the culprits, but there's more...just check all the jiffy lubes in your area. There's usually go on unmarked or without a label. lol.

 

^Yep! Put a Motorcraft filter on it and see if it stops.

Wayne

 

Thanks guys. I will check that out.

 

FL820S

 

Is this the number of the filter?

If so, thanks. I am almost due for an oil change and will use a Motorcraft filter next time.

 

It sure is!

 

While I agree that the poster may have a filter with a leaking antidrainback valve, your statement about FRAM not having one is way off base. All FRAM filters made for any Ford vehicles have antidrainback valves. They are Nitrile rubber in the Extra Guard and Silicone rubber in all our other filters.

 

Alright, let me fix that, -

FRAM oil filters for Fords

What good is having an anti drain-back valve that has continuously failed in the past ? Thing is, this can cause irreversible damage that guess what, -you could care less about apparently. IF indeed ALL FRAM oil filters had one that worked, there wouldn't of been years of controversy in the past. You need to wake up and take some lumps. That's what a GOOD manufacturer would do.

Just Google "Orange can of death" ~

https://www.google.com/search?q=Oran...x-a&channel=sb

I tell you what, Fram has done a good job of cleaning all the complaints up, but they're still out there lol. Your not going to get them all.

__________________________________

FRAM air filters for the 97-03 Ford Trucks.

Not only that, FRAM air filters for the 97-03/04 Fords were faulty. There's been plenty of people whom have opened their air box up to find the FRAM filter has broken away from the seal ring and just laying there, not filtering a thing. How would you like to find that after 6 months to a year driving on that filter ??
____________________________________________

FRAM PCV valves for the 97-03/04 Ford Trucks.

Very bad for these motors as they need to breath properly. FRAMS valve margins are pinched too tight and over restricting. As you SHOULD know, compromising the PCV system in this way is also a slow death for these engines. There's thousands if not millions of people whom have given FRAM the benefit of the doubt only to end screwed in the rear. I won't respect a company that won't consider some type of quality control.

I seriously hope that has changed, but before you go backing a product, re-familiarize yourself with your own track record. It's reckless and upsetting...if you can't tell.



Oh yea, I was WAY OFF base.

 

I have been using AFE oil filters for years on different vehicles. I have been using it on my F150 for the past 3 years, and get the same noise I'm sure you are referring to. The AFE filters also have an anti-drain back valve.

I purchased a Ford racing oil filter and am hoping this will eliminate the problem. I will report back to this thread after I do my next oil change.

In my case, the sound is loud and last 1-2 seconds. It reminds me of a hydraulic cam chain tensioner that hasn't gotten pressure yet.

Hopefully this different oil filter will do the trick.