Does anyone have a F-150 5.4 that ticks in the cold?

Question

I was told it was normal for a 5.4 to tick when its cold, was told its the piston skirt. As soon as it warms up it goes away, I told the mechanic I thought it was a lifter and he says its the piston skirt. He said its normal for a 5.4 with 85,000 or more miles to do this.

Answer 1

If I understand correctly, piston slap is normal in engines with a bit of wear.  When the piston heats up and expands to its normal size, it fits the cylinder better and doesn't slap.

Other causes of ticking noises are lifters (as you know) and exhaust manifold leaks.

Answer 2

If you are using the recommended 5W-20 oil then that is the problem. The lifters will leak out the oil when the engine is idle. Then it will take a few seconds for them to recharge once the motor starts. For winter time use 10W-40, for summer use 20W50. especially on a motor with that many miles. I've followed this scheme for almost 30 years in all my Fords, Mercurys and Lincolns and I have never, ever had an oil related engine problem nor have I ever had an engine wear out or burn oil. Cars from Escort to Marquis to Towncars to F-150. The very light weigh oil recommended by car makers must be for cars that stay in Detroit. For summers out in West Texas and New Mexico that super thin oil is worthless. The engine would simply wear out. My friend (drives Chevy trucks), has replaced 4 motors in the last 10 years. I told him it's that alcohol thin oil causing it.

Answer 3

If it was the piston skirt the noise would not go away.
It is probably a lifter, as you and posters above me have guessed. Ford's 6 cylinders in the Bronco II did the same thing, and the Owner's manual called it "normal".

Answer 4

Marvin are you nuts ? have you tried to pour 10w40 in -20 much less when it gets cold? stick with the factory recommendation but get synthetic in it , yes it could be piston slap or lifter bleed down , but synthetic oil will take care of it

Answer 5

Try a bottle of Lucas oil treatment. I've seen that stuff work miracles. And it usually makes ticking caused by a problem with lubrication go away because it cushions worn parts

Answer 6

try a heavier oil and see if it quits.if your using the 5w30,it could be too thin.try something like 10w30 or 10w40,its heavier and it shouldnt drain from the lifters.

Answer 7

that is probably from the cold sludge holding the valves in place and whe the cam hits them it doesnt budge as easily and it "ticks" if it stops when it warms up the that is probably what it is

Answer 8

Have you tried an oil change?