How many miles CO, is it getting tired ? Ford had a PS problem with a few of these trucks early on, was corrected AFAIK. Before the 2000 MY engines. Camera the cylinder walls next plug change or whenever, prob the best way.

 

It's a 2001 built in late 2000. The engine feels strong and smooth to me. 194kmi.

 

It's getting about that time then, you'll get some valve train and lash adjuster /lash limiter noise at cold start. It's common. The 98 has done so for years, maybe 150,000 miles. Once the oil warms, flows, it will once again defi gravity and get where it needs to. Replacing the adjusters can help. Sort of like PS, in the way there's a lot of life left in the old beast.

The 98 felt strong last summer after the new exhaust. Like the strong silent type now. 375,000 mi on the old girl, has a wicked passing gear. Try that now, I'd leave the bed behind for sure. In need of some attention once again lol.

 

So it's piston slap, then? There's nothing that can be done for that short of a rebuild, right?

 

Nothing I would do. Most likley some PS at 200,000 miles...normal wear. Like I said, new lash adjusters will help quiet it down at cold start. If it bothers you.

 

Adjusters will bleed out due to age (seals), wear, and gravity after sitting for awhile. Amount of piston slap is a contributor. Since it's not hurting anything to run it this way normally, it's more up to you if you want to try to quite it down.

Ford had 2 or 3 TSB's about slap long ago stating the piston slap has no affect on longevity. Lash adjusters just get louder through the years.,,,with time. Maybe I'll record the 98, let hear what they sound like coming up on 400,000 miles lol.

Huh, it's still here, this is the best read about PS imo, -

https://www.f150online.com/forums/v8...n-summary.html

 

I watched a video of a leaking manifold and it sure sounded similar, so I jacked it up, set up my leaf blower in the tailpipe, and got the soapy water bottle ready - all unnecessary, because I immediately saw there are two broken studs on #4. I did the test anyway, and it blew bubbles like a toddler at a Labor Day picnic. 10 points to @ultimatenoobie for the right diagnosis!

Please point me in the right direction for tips on this repair.

The timing is amazing - tomorrow, this truck becomes a daily driver, as I start a new job that's onsite.

 

It'll probably take you a couple days on average (first time) to do both manifolds. All depends how log it takes yuh to remove the old studs. First time I did it, at 165,000 miles, all the head studs looked like hell. Everyone of the buzzed right out once I beat a socket on the nut. The exhaust Y to manifold studs however, just cut those...not worth the hassle. Plan on new studs there as well.

Just did this last July, parts list for the 98, -

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Only thing I'd do different is go with OEM manifolds...not Dorman. Their EGR pipe port was cast at an angle, not quite right. Sent me a replacement, but that was the same way. Had to heat and bend EGR pipe to fit (that was tricky). The oil dip stick tube wouldn't fit through their opening correctly..made it a PITA to seat correctly.

Other stuff was fine.

 

Dbl post

 

Triple post post.