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I drive a 2004 Lincoln Navigator. When I start the engine it makes a LOUD ticking noise(my neighbors have heard it across the street)! As the vehicle warms up it slowly disappears. Unfortunately this noise is not consistent so trying to explain it to a mechanic is tideous because the noise is barely audible by the time I get to someone. I have been told it is the oil pan and the rise of the oil to get to everything? That makes no sense to me. Now I am being told my truck might not like ethonol gas (pre-ignition noise)?I did have a dealership tell me they heard the noise (a little) and they would have to take the engine apart to find what was loose or wrong and to just keep driving it?? I need help? I don't want to get rid of it...It is fully loaded and only has 75,000 miles on it.
Optional Information: Year: 2004Make: LincolnModel: NavigatorEngine: V6 Already Tried: Adding an oil thickner and an additive in the gas tank.
Greetings,
If your vehicle is a navigator they only came with the 5.4 v-8. There are some bulletins for engine noises some of which I have repaired. Early 2005 at the ford dealer we had an DM (instructed from the ford engineers)explain engine noise issues and how to diagnose on the 5.4L engines with the cam phasers. These cam phasers are used to vary the cam timing, used for power,emissions and fuel economy. They are prone to issues because of design and lack of maintenance. They are activated by oil pressure.
TSB 05-15-8
08/08/05
TICKING AND/OR KNOCKING NOISE FROM ENGINE - 4.6L/5.4L 3V
FORD:2005 Mustang2004-2005 F-1502005 Expedition, F-250, F-350
LINCOLN:2005 Navigator
ISSUESome vehicles equipped with a 4.6L 3-valve or 5.4L 3-valve engine may exhibit a ticking and/or knocking noise after reaching normal operating temperature. The noise may be described as "ticks", "taps", "knocks", or "thumps". In some cases the noise may be a normal characteristic of these engines. In other cases the noise may require further investigation. Sorting out and defining the noise as reported by the customer is important to successfully diagnose and/or repair the condition.
ACTIONBefore starting diagnosis, it is critical to determine the specific engine noise the customer is concerned with. The customer should be interviewed to get their detailed perception and description of the noise, and to determine if the noise occurs at idle or above idle speed, and if the engine is cold, hot, or both. Attempt to duplicate the noise, and determine the source of the symptom. Refer to the following Service Procedure to help determine the source of the noise and if a repair is needed.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
NOTE READ THIS SECTION IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE BEGINNING.
NOTE THE 4.6L 3V AND 5.4L 3V ENGINES ARE INSTALLED IN SEVERAL VEHICLE PLATFORMS, WHICH MAY INFLUENCE THE INTENSITY OF NOISE DUE TO VEHICLE DIFFERENCES IN SOUND TRANSMISSION PATHS, HOOD AND BODY INSULATION PACKAGES, AND ROOT CAUSE OF THE COMPONENT(S) CAUSING THE NOISE.
PRE-CHECKS
Once the above pre-checks are complete, check for sound level from the following components, in the order listed. Compare the sound from these components to the noise the customer is concerned with, to determine the source of the noise.
INJECTION / FUEL SYSTEM
Injector noise (ticking) is considered normal. Noise increases with RPM hot or cold and is recognized at the top of the engine.
VALVE TRAIN
Lash adjusters can make a ticking/tapping noise noticeable at any engine RPM/temperature and is audible through the wheel well or an open hood. However, with the hood down, lash adjuster noise can be heard as a light tapping noise through the wheel well and is considered normal.
Tracing this noise must be isolated to a cylinder bank. If one bank is louder than the other bank, focus the diagnostic to the loud bank. If both banks seem loud with the hood down, compare wheel well sound level to another comparable vehicle.
Use a stethoscope on the top of the cam cover bolt heads to confirm which bank is affected. Move the probe from front to rear if necessary.
If isolated, replace all the lifters, intake and exhaust, only on the affected cylinder bank.
VARIABLE CAM TIMING
The 4.6L 3V and 5.4L 3V variable cam timing (VCT) feature may emit a light knock in normal operation and is audible only at idle speed, with a hot engine (gear selector in park/neutral). However, it may be masked by or mistaken for other noises generated from either injector firing or a malfunctioning valve train as described above. The noise does not affect performance or durability of the part.
VCT phasers may knock at hot idle. It may be heard inside the passenger compartment, or the wheel well area. Some light noise is normal. The engine may require a cold soak overnight for a full diagnosis to effectively be made at hot idle, particularly when a VCT phaser is suspected. The knock is not prevalent at cold temperature.
To test for VCT noise:
If the noise intensity is more than a lightly audible knock at hot idle under 1200 RPM at engine operating temperature, replace the cam phaser using the camshaft "In-Vehicle Repair" procedure found in the Workshop Manual.
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
DEALER CODING
Experience: 30 years GM certified, Ford certified