Piston slap - Ford f-150 Triton 5.4

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. - 08 Dec 2007 16:47 GMT

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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C. E. White - 10 Dec 2007 21:01 GMT

> Has anybody had this problem?
>
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>
> John

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

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. - 15 Dec 2007 18:02 GMT

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,

John

>> Has anybody had this problem?
>>
[quoted text clipped - 35 lines]
>
> Ed

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