Have a 2013 F150 4x4 5.0. XLT 177k miles. Strange knock sound I cannot find anyone’s vids or posts. Ford calls it normal. I need an F150 whisperer. I have heard all the things from all the people. Please help. I need real help.

 

Does it happen intermittently or what?
Idling at cold start or warm start and does the sound go away when warm?
Do you have a scanner capable to read Ford's specific DTCs like Foxwell NT510 Elite or Forscan?
Have you checked the oil level on your dipstick?
Do you have magnetic drain plug? Say it's M12-1.75, why didn't you buy one?

 

Please fill us in on how Ford was involved.

 

Mechanic called ford. They told him no fix… normal. No codes are on dash. Runs smooth. But the knocking sound. I have a cheap hyper tough code reader

 

Also, the truck has 177k miles. It is intermittent. But will start after start up. 2-3 minutes after start. Will do it a few minutes then stop. Start again minute later. Like in video.

 

You need to find a shop that wants to pin down the exact area the knock is coming from.

Different folks describe an engine noise differently.. Some folks describe valve noise as knocks and can send a guy on a wild goose chase.
Obvious Ford did not want to get involved. If you take it there, you may get a better diagnosis.

 

I asked cold start or warm start but you didn't reply.
If it was timing chain guide making the noise it's usually on a cold start. If you have been hearing that noise for a while like half year or so, then it's also possible on warm start when it's in advanced stage rather than initial stage. In advanced stage you will hear the sound permanently on every cold/warm start. The culprit is usually the tensioner, and the sound is generated from the damaged guide. It's also possible that your chain is stretched.
Just one of the possibilities.If you want to diagnose this yourself and DIY fix it if possible, you really need to invest and buy a scanner like Foxwell NT510 Elite w/ Ford+Lincoln+Mercury software or get Forscan windows based software (laptop required) and buy vLinker FS USB adapter, note on Forscan it's subscription based and it can cost you $1000+ if you don't cancel, NT510 Elite is one-time purchase free lifetime update.
I mentioned magnetic drain plug previously, it's a must have for any car. Buy a quality one or don't buy any.

 

Something of which you should be aware, knocks don't generate trouble codes ! Various conditions can develop and produce some noise, but still need to be chased down the hard way.

Previous maintenance can have an influence on wear and possible cause for noise.

What will offer the most benefit is someone experienced with tracking down various noises and their cause and that is why an in person visit to Ford was suggested.