Someone describe "the death rattle"

[Curtis]

Ive seen many posts on this and I too have a 4.6 in my 04.

Does "the death rattle" happen all the time while running or just on start up?

Sometimes I will get a tick tick or rattle on start up for a couple seconds but then its gone. Wont happen for the rest of the day. It may or may not happen the next morning.

 

[ericautopart]

That's common w/ the 4.6. Our expedition did that for 10 yrs and we traded it in @ 212,000 miles and it still ran like new. I think it ALWAYS had that knock on start up. I just made sure to warm it up a little longer in the winter.

 

[jp450]

I had a 93 Ranger 3.0 that rattled and was told by dealer not to worry about that it is the fuel injection and that it was normal. Traded that in at 160k mi and never had a problem.

My 99 Sport with the SOHC started to have the "death rattle" at about 70k mi. That was the timing chain and was a REAL problem. I decided that I was going to ignore it until I absolutely had to do somthing about. I was prepared to replace the motor because of the rattle/timing chain issue but traded instead. The cost of repairing the motor was just a little bit less then putting a rebuilt crate motor in so that was easy for me to make that decision. I needed a 4 door because we had a baby.

Now my 05 with the 4.6 rattles a little when it is cold and has done so since about 40k. Have almost 68k on it now. I change the oil EVERY 3k and do ALL the recomended services. My Fords have never left me stranded.

My point is that some engines rattle and it is normal as things wear. IMO if you take care of your Ex it will take care of you. Change the oil and have the services done as recomended. If you do hear a new noise look into it as sometimes it may be a real problem but usually its nothing.

 

[Curtis]

That makes me feel a little better...
It only happens for a second or 2 on start up when really cold which does not happen that often here in FL.

I do change the oil every 3k too. Its got 79,000 on it now and due for a oil change this weekend

My dad had a 1st gen that ticked like nothing else. The whole time he had it and that engine lasted up at 258,000 at which point it locked solid

 

[ericautopart]

My 5.0 has been knocking for 15k miles..no problem. The 4.6L in the expedition knocked LOUD on startup..like I said..212,000 miles still ran like new.

 

[jrford]

for startup rattle for 2-3sec, the first step is try a Motorcraft filter, or high quality one.
Sometimes this will take care of the noise you describe, 2-3seconds of valvetrain noise sounds like small screws in a coffee can. I've had this happened several times when i could only find a very cheap filter. Its caused by 'lack of' or a poor drainback valve in the filter. It takes the car several seconds to bring up the oil pressure and 'charge' the lifters.