When I start my car in the morning or after it sits for awhile the lifters tap real loud and fast then fade. Is this something normal for the 4.6 or should I be worried?
Lifter Tap Problems
- Thread starter fastford03
- Start date
trinity_gt
10 Year Member
What kind of oil filter are you using?
Some have inferior anti-drainback valves which allow the oil galleries to drain while the engine is off. This can lead to clatter upon subsequent starts as it takes a few seconds to get oil back into these galleries.
The Motorcraft FL820 has a very good valve in it and helps prevent this.
Some have inferior anti-drainback valves which allow the oil galleries to drain while the engine is off. This can lead to clatter upon subsequent starts as it takes a few seconds to get oil back into these galleries.
The Motorcraft FL820 has a very good valve in it and helps prevent this.
I just bought the car 2 weeks ago so I'm not sure what kind of oil filter it has.
Clayton302
Member
Change your oil with a synthetic like Mobil one. you should do that now and not wait. also do what was mentioned by trinity above. I had a bad experience with one of fram's X2 like $15 filters and lost oil pressure. keep an eye on your oil filter gauge. if it flutters when you step on the gas your filter is clogged or cant drain back.
blkstanger
Member
The car had the oil changed with full synthetic at the dealership and I'm pretty positive they used a motorcraft filter. Not 100% tho
I don't know if it's normal, but my 03 F-150 5.4 does it about 50% of cold starts. Just for about half a second. Been doing it for the 2 years I've owned it, no problems, and hasn't gotten worse.
Must just be a ford thing bc my moms explorer does it and so does my mustang only for a quick moment then it's fine so I'm not to worried unless it keeps on after I'm up to temp
I've run Mobil 1, K&N, Fram, Wix, and Motorcraft in my F-150. Still had lifter tap at startup sometimes with all of them.
Rejekt
Member
My dads F150 had the same issue... Was still doing it when he traded his in with 180k on the odometer.
I've always used Mobil 1 with Fram tough guard filters and never had an issue.
I've always used Mobil 1 with Fram tough guard filters and never had an issue.
MaxedGT
Member
Mine did the same thing with a Fram oil filter. I only use AC Delco filters currently and never had a tick with them.
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