Ihave a 2009 F150 with a 4.2L V8, bought used with 20,000. Now has 150,000. It has always made a quiet whirring/grinding noise. I took it back to the
dealer who decarbonized the engine with no effect. It sounds like pinging, but it can't be. I had 2 good mechanics drive and listen to it. They heard it, but
didn't know whar it is. Sitting in the drivers seat, it sounds like it's coming from the left in the engine compartment.

The truck ran well all these years, but it is getting louder, and I want to get 200,000+ on it. Any ideas what is causing this noise?

 

Get ready for some variable cam timing work.

 

What is "variable cam timing work"? Is it expensive?

 

Hopefully my guess is not too accurate.Shouldn't speculate without actually hearing it.
Engines with variable valve timing are supposed to provide better performance and fuel economy. The system is very dependent upon regular oil changes with the proper motor oil. When these recommendations are ignored, wear increases sooner and is expensive to repair depending on how extensive it gets.


The mileage is a determining factor and of course the condition of the vehicle. Sometimes , it is better to repair then take on new debt

Before jumping to any conclusions, suggest you get another opinion/diagnosis. I would like to think if it was something considerable the dealership would have advised you.of the possibility..Having had the opportunity to hear the sounds, did they offer any other advice or suggestions?

 

Hanky,

Thanks for your thoughts.
I brought it back to the Ford dealership I bought it from when it was still under warranty. The decarbonized it and shrugged their shoulders when the sound didn;t go away.
They said they couldn't hear it.
Now it has 150,000 on it and has gotten louder.
Years later, I was thinking of trading it in and spoke to a salesman at the same dealership. He said those small V8's made that noise but "run forever".
I will make an audio recording of the noise and post it. Maybe you could tell something from that.

Gutlo

 

Thank you.
Sometimes I wonder what has happened to some dealership service depmartments?
Having worked for one quite a few years back, we did all we possibly could to keep a happy customer. It paid off when they came back years later to purchase another new vehicle, because they knew we would take good care of them if any service problem came up. Don't know if it is the management, the techs or something else but something has certainly changed. Maybe Scott, a Ford Forum Member can help us out here, don't know.

 

More info on this problem.

When I turn the steering wheel left or right while travel 40 mph. the sound gets louder and seems to go faster.

Does this help?

 

Not really