I start it engine knocking noise?

2004 FORD EXPEDITION
275,000 MILES • 5.4L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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CTISH2007
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I have 2004 ford Expedition eddie bauer 5.4L v8 & when I start it , It makes a knocking noise & gets louder as I Hit the gas but when I let off the gas the knocking can barely be heard. What would be the cause of this & is it a easy fix or a more serious problem.
Apr 10, 2026 at 7:07 AM
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STRAILER
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Yep, it can be fixed but i need to hear the noise to see if it is piston/rod or valve train related. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone of the engine from under the hood so I can hear the noise? that way I can tell for sure what's going on. You can upload it here with your response. This guide may help as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-noises

Please go over this guide and get back to us. Ken
Apr 11, 2026 at 7:59 AM
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CTISH2007
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Good Evening, when I went outside earlier to take the video u asked for I couldn't get into my car Im guessing my battery is dead because my key fob wouldn't unlock my doors but tomorrow as soon as I can get into my car & get the battery charged I'll upload the video. Thank You im Crissy by the way
Apr 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM
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STRAILER
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Hi Crissy, Yes please charge the battery so we can hear the engine to see what is going on. This video can help you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6x8RpV2p2R0&pp=0gcJCdoKAYcqIYzv

Let us know how it goes
Apr 12, 2026 at 8:26 AM
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CTISH2007
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The knocking noise video is first & im not sure what this is in the pic , hopefully u can help me identify it. Thanks So Much
Apr 18, 2026 at 4:19 PM
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STRAILER
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The engine noise does not sounds good, also it looks like you found the vacuum leak. It does sounds like the timing chain system needs to be replaced, but can I ask if this is the original engine (275k miles)? If so it needs to be rebuild, if you go over this video series it will show you how step by step.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuNLrE3rrb8&list=PLe3kz1i_LrtW1Jw7wWI-3jSsaml8EjQVb

Thanks for the video and images. Let me know.


Apr 19, 2026 at 8:30 AM
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CTISH2007
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Yes it is the original engine
Apr 19, 2026 at 6:05 PM
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STRAILER
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I cant tell if the noise is the vacuum leak or the serpentine belt that needs to be replaced. As far as the engine noise I would change the oil and filter to see if that helps, the noise is a broken timing chain guide, bad timing chain if you want to fix it. This video shows how to replace the set.

https://youtu.be/dler2t2e4Zw?si=tuCUKquwk9pFUz-X&t=696

Please let us know what happens. Thanks for the videos they help.
Apr 20, 2026 at 9:12 AM