Engine knock?

Tiny
DSWREN
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 FORD EXPEDITION
  • 5.4L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 154,000 MILES
I just purchased a 2001 expedition with the 5.4L 2 valve V8 Triton. I got it knowing there was an issue with the engine. I'm not driving it yet but, I will need to soon.

When it is in idle, I hear a knock or maybe a hard tick on the passenger side of the engine compartment. I've been told this is a common problem with the Triton and its probably a burnt valve or something to do with the timing. I need another opinion. Thanks
Saturday, June 13th, 2015 AT 2:56 AM

12 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
These have a known problem with valve train components breaking which can lead to more serious internal damage if the piston hits a stuck open valve. You are going to have to remove the valve cover to have any idea what is going on.
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Saturday, June 13th, 2015 AT 5:28 AM
Tiny
ROBERTBARNES62
  • MEMBER
  • 83 POSTS
  • 1999 FORD EXPEDITION
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I heard a noise and thought it was the water pump because it was weeping. I changed the intake manifold gasket and water pump but the noise was still there. I have narrowed it down to the right hand side either in the valve cover or in the timing cover. I have done some research and can only find information 3v, but if I understand it right there was only 2v in these vehicles. The 3v has phasers but the 2v does not. I want to know what could the noise be coming from that area? Lifters, timing chain, and what else? How do I go about narrowing it down to one thing so I can fix it?
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Saturday, December 26th, 2020 AT 12:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like you have a timing chain guide that has broken but to be sure can you take a quick video with your phone and upload it in your response here? If it is the chain here is diagrams to help you replace the timing chain and guides.

Check out the diagrams (below).

Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

Cheers, Ken
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Saturday, December 26th, 2020 AT 12:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROBERTBARNES62
  • MEMBER
  • 83 POSTS
Here is a video of the noise.I hope it helps.A friend said it could be an exhaust leak. I know there is an exhaust leak on that side but I didn't think that would be the sound it would make. Any help would be great!
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Saturday, December 26th, 2020 AT 12:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Yes, that is timing chain noise, I think you have a guide that is broken. Does the noise get less if you rev the engine a little?
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Saturday, December 26th, 2020 AT 12:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROBERTBARNES62
  • MEMBER
  • 83 POSTS
It seems too. It is real noticeable like in a drive through.
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Saturday, December 26th, 2020 AT 12:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Yep timing chain/guide issue that's what it sounds like to me. Nice work on the video BTW makes my job easier.
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Saturday, December 26th, 2020 AT 12:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
99FORDSUV
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1999 FORD EXPEDITION
  • 126,000 MILES
There is a Knocking sound coming from under my hood and I had white/misty smoke coming from tail pipe and also it want drive no faster that 30to40mph it reaves up but want pick up speed fast what could be the problem they keep telling me its a bent rod and I need to replace the motor im hoping its not that serious please help
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Saturday, December 26th, 2020 AT 12:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
The white smoke is burning coolant from overheating. The knock may or may not be a rod but it will have to come apart to determine the failure. It will be very costly either way

Roy
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Saturday, December 26th, 2020 AT 12:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROBERTBARNES62
  • MEMBER
  • 83 POSTS
Thank you, I guess I will attempt to replace them myself. It should make for a funny collection of frustration and happiness. Lol.
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Saturday, December 26th, 2020 AT 12:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
99FORDSUV
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
It has never over heated or had any oil issues it just started smoking and knocking all of a sudden it keep getting less noisy
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Saturday, December 26th, 2020 AT 12:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Lol it will indeed but hang in there and go slow makes it for a much better experience. I just got done installing a transmission with my son so I got the drill down.

Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

Cheers, Ken
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Saturday, December 26th, 2020 AT 12:54 PM (Merged)

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