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cm2785's avatar
cm2785
Explorer
May 16, 2018

1997 460 noise?

Hi guys I have a 1997 F53 with 11k miles on the clock. The thing is like brand new. Now I have ears like a dog and can hear noises many people can’t, infact I really haven’t heard an engine before that didn’t make any noise at all but when I start the motor home up if you are outside or have the side window open you can hear some tapping or knocking while it’s cold. Maybe like a few marbles in a dryer.. when it’s warm it seems to be fine.. keep in mind there is another sound like a hearing sound possibly and we thought it was the alternator because we put the stethoscope on it and could hear the bearing sound when doing it on the AC compressor it was silent. Yet after a new alternator and smog pump later it’s still there and can also be heard from the water pump which is why I believe that noise is from the water pump, which also gets quieter as it warms up.. could anyone have any ideas on what the first noise is? Maybe it’s normal? At 11k I cant see the engine being anywhere near worn out let alone even broken in. I just had Banks headers installed and the oil is fresh T6 5w40.

Thanks guys!
  • I was going to suggest exhaust manifold leak until I saw you just had headers put on it.

    Was the noise there before the headers were installed?
  • Tighten your header to cyl head bolts and do it often. Loose bolts will cause a ticking sound when cold and then seal up when warm.(exhaust leak) Dave
  • the book on my 97 f53 460
    recommends 10w-30w

    5w-40 might be too thin when cold

    also i'm old school, i would not use/run pure synthetic of any weight
    blended OK, but not pure