Hey guys,
Great site, these forums are really helpful. You guys should know what my problem is. I have a 2000 4.7 4x4 240000km and on cold starts it sounds like a diesel, some really bad pinging and knocking. Only happens until it warms up. I need to do the valve cover and oil pan gaskets within the next few weekends. The noise happens even though the oil level is full. Any thing I can do while the valve covers are off?

Thanks Mike

 

check fuel pressure, higher demand @ cold start may be forcing a lean run problem, any check engine lights or codes? could be a temp sensor also.

 

Actually come to think of it the engine light did come on a few times when it was cold out. On the warmer days the engine light doesn't come on. The diesel sound has been like this all winter. No engine light until a month ago but it was only a day or two and it did run like crap right before the engine light came on, almost stalled. I parked it for the night, the next day was good. I will try the ignition code a little later see if anything pops up.

Thanks Mike

 

the 'diesel noise' is probably your clutch fan if im not mistaken the noise probably goes away in under a mile of driving(this is normal for the clutch fan annoying, yes, but normal nonetheless), and get the gaskets replaced and let us know if the other problems go away

also check to make sure you are not using oil after replacing the gaskets, if you are still using it could be plenum gasket leaking

 

Could be a bad oil filter not priming.

 

H i Mike
When you have the valve covers off, take a look at the timing chain guides. The timing chain tensioners maybe loosing their prime and bleeding back, causing the chain to sound like a diesel engine. Until you have oil pressure to adjust tensioners.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I don't think it would be the clutch fan as the sound is more dominant on the passenger side of the engine. Master Tech I will look at the tensioners for sure. Before I put the valve covers back on I will post something, maybe even take pics. Pics are always good.

Thanks alot guys.