Hi, I have a 93 E150 with the 300 straight six. I've had it for 30 years. It has 193,000 miles on it. When I initially start it (cold engine), it revs up high, and the lifters clatter. It last probably 5 seconds or less. But it's like fingernails on a chalkboard. Why does it have to rev so high? I haven't driven it more than 1000 miles in the past 10 years. (I move it around the parking lot weekly where I live so it gets started weekly). I Googled it, and AI said to spray the "throttle body" with throttle body cleaner. But I can't find a throttle body. I did spray the linkage with WD40 but that didn't help. Is this cold start/high rev common on Ford vans? I feel like this initial surge hurts the engine since the oil hasn't yet made it to the top of the engine. I'm not mechanic, obviously. (ps... I said it had a 4.6 liter, I meant 4.9)

 

Some vehicle computers get programmed by what the driver does when starting the vehicle after the battery has been disconnected or changed.

If you disconnect the battery, turn the headlamps on for 30 seconds so the memory can be erased, then reconnect the battery.
Now,,,,,,without touching the throttle pedal, start the engine. The idle speed will be set automatically. You must resist touching the pedal.
All vehicles are programmed to a fast idle speed when cold. After a few minutes it should slow down. Does it ?

 

Thanks for your reply. So saying I should disconnect negative battery terminal. Turn on headlights for 30 seconds. Then reconnect negative battery terminal. Then start the car without touching gas peddle? Will the cold engine rev to high RPMs for the first 5 seconds as it's doing now? I will try if it you're saying it might eliminate the high RPMs upon start-up. According to Chatgbt my van is doing exactly what it is programmed to do. Run at high RPMs to quickly get oil into engine. Of course, I take Chatgbt with a grain of salt. It also suggested I buy a high quality oil filter because the one the oil change shop put on may not have an good anti-drain valve on it. So I bought a Motorcraft filter for it today. Also, I bought some throttle body spray today. Apparently I need to look for a butterfly, and that's going to be the throttle body. My luck, all I'll find is a caterpillar.

 

The part about the anti-drain valve in the oil filter is correct. If you look at the face of the filter you should see a rubber type diaphram just under the holes. That is the anti drain feature.. Rpm on a cold start should be a little high to assist warm up. Those 4.9 engines provided very good service when well maintained.
Please let us know how you make out with this, thanks.

I noticed in your other post the alt and battery were replaced. If the throttle pedal was depressed after that battery change when started it could explain a lot.