2014 F-150 3.5 Ecoboost noise

Brad Clayton · July 26, 2018

We got one of these things in the shop, I forget the mileage but it makes a strange, rhythmic thumping noise at idle when hot. The noise seemed to be localized to the right side of the engine in the valve cover. The VC was removed and the usual valve stuff was examined and deemed ok. The timing chain tensioner shows about 4 teeth. The vacuum pump (cam driven) was looked at and full of oil so it was replaced and we thought that was it. Still makes the noise. Then the alternator belt was removed and the noise disappeared. The belt is clean, and the water pump was removed and it looks fine, no looseness in the internals or anything like that. The alternator spins freely.

Not a whole lot of info, I know but curious if anyone has heard any strange noises from these engines other than the cold rattles.

forddieseldoctor · July 26, 2018

We had one the other day that sounded like it was knocking from the bottom end. 103,000 miles on a 13 f150. Cut the oil filter open and found this.

Brad Clayton · July 27, 2018

Yikes. So I am not working on the one in this post but I think they are putting a new water pump on it and rechecking. We will see.

forddieseldoctor · July 27, 2018

I found a message today about cracked piston skirts on some of the 3.5 ecoboost motors. Your truck should be included in that. I’ll try and remember to find it again tomorrow.

forddieseldoctor · July 27, 2018

47394 2013-2018 F-150, 2015-2018 Transit/Expedition, 2015-2017 Navigator - 3.5L EcoBoost - Engine Tick Type Noise From Cylinder Block
Some 2013-2018 F-150, 2015-2018 Transit/Expedition, and 2015-2017 Navigator vehicles equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine with greater than 20,000 miles may exhibit a tick type noise from the cylinder block area. This noise may be caused by a cracked piston skirt. The noise can be isolated to a cylinder using a stethoscope or other suitable listening device. Canceling the affected cylinder will reduce or eliminate the noise. If the noise is isolated to a specific cylinder, it is recommended to replace the short block. If the noise cannot be isolated using the methods described, refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM) for diagnosis. A cracked piston skirt does not result in metal contamination of the engine or any related cylinder head damage. Prior approval for short block replacement is not required under new vehicle limited warranty coverage.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 29-JUNE-2018