Tapping noise when started up and when accelerating?

2004 FORD EXPEDITION
250,000 MILES • 5.4L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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CTISH84
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My vehicle listed above makes a tapping noise when started up and when accelerating, what causes this and is it something that can be fixed?
Thanks, Crissy
Mar 25, 2025 at 4:07 PM
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STRAILER
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Hello Crissy,

It sounds like you have an exhaust leak or a loose spark plug. Can you please upload a short video from your phone of the noise from under the hood so I can tell for sure?

Here is a guide for engine noises you can go over in the meantime:

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

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
Mar 27, 2025 at 9:44 AM
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CTISH84
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I hope this helps, thanks again.
Mar 27, 2025 at 2:26 PM
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CTISH84
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I wanted to let the Mechanic know I just found out from the lady I bought my vehicle from that the oil hasn't been changed in 2 years. I know that's not good could that be what's causing the tapping noise?
Mar 28, 2025 at 7:31 AM
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STRAILER
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Yes, I would change the oil and have a new filter, if this does not help it sounds like you have a roller follower or timing chain, that is the problem.

Please go over this video:

https://youtu.be/SI8UaVvjvEM?si=JhiMNcGGjOF8wrYP

Please let us know what happens.
Mar 28, 2025 at 10:13 AM
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CTISH84
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Got the oil changed and when I first started it up there was no tapping noise but after it was running for, I'm going to say maybe 2 minutes it started tapping again.
Mar 31, 2025 at 2:32 PM
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STRAILER
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You probably have a worn timing chain or guide that has broken, that is what happened to the engine in the video.
Apr 1, 2025 at 8:59 AM