1997 Ford F-150 Lifter noise

CREEPER_BOB

MEMBER
1997 FORD F-150
4.6L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
1,000 MILES

Ok a year ago I had a crate engine put in by Holly Creek Automotive Holly Creek Oklahoma. After of months of waiting and two mechanics later I was told it was ready. I picked it up and I noticed lifter noise. They told me this was ok due to the break in process. I took it back three days later when I noticed a yellow foam in the oil. They thought I was crazy and told me it was just a little moisture getting in through the oil cap. But that very day when I showed up to get it they said it over headed and the block cracked. They ordered another crate engine and flour months later I get a call saying that they put in the replacement and it had lifter noise so they ordered another one. Another three months later I get a call saying it was ready but instead of a replacement engi ethey were told to replace the lifter. They told me that it was fixed but I still heard a tick. That tick itturni pinto a steady lifter noise every start up but goes away a after awhile. Can this be the oil pump even though the gauge reads 3/4 to the high side?

2 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Wow. You haven't had much luck with this issue. As far as the lifter noise going away, that indicates to me that there MAY be a pressure issue at start up, but the lifters eventually build up and the noise goes away. If you remove the oil pressure switch from the engine and install a mechanical gauge, it will tell you the exact pressure. Most parts stores will rent one to you and all you do is remove the electric sender and install the mechanical one.

Do that and let me know what the pressure is. Also, let me know what viscosity oil you are using, if this happens if you shut the engine and restart it shortly after, basically anything you can think of may be helpful.