Cold engine start knocking noise

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whitecoyote

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I have a 2010 Taurus SHO with 28,000+ miles. On cold starts it has a bad knocking noise that last from 2-5 seconds (think rod knock). The knocking started at approximately 7,000 miles. Other than that it runs great.

I have complained to the dealer a couple times regarding the problem. The Dealer stated they hear the noise, but have received no bullitens about it.
I took the SHO in for some warrenty work last week, and complained about the cold start knocking again. The dealer stated the mechanic confirms that he hears the knocking noise, and does not like what he hears, seems to be coming from deep within the engine. Ford requested oil change records. Luckily I was able to provide them with most of the records that I have. Tomorrow will be one week that they have the SHO. Hopefully this problem will get resolved.

Has anyone else had this problem, or have you heard of this problem from other SHO owners?
 

shaker281

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I had a lot of start up noise when I used a WIX filter for one oil change. Went back to MC and the noise subsided. Are you using the Motorcraft FL500S Oil Filter?

A lot of WIX users seemed irritated when I posted this. Not knocking their filters, but maybe not the best choice for this engine.

A knock like you describe could also be piston slap, which is usually not fatal, just annoying.
 

SHOrod

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The knocking started at approximately 7,000 miles. ...

Ford requested oil change records. Luckily I was able to provide them with most of the records that I have.

I wonder what they would have said if you reminded them that the oil change interval listed in the owner's manual states the oil change interval is 7,500 miles.

-Rod
 

whitecoyote

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My 2010 did this and it got worse then one day it was hammering really bad, they replaced the engine and direct injection pump.
How many miles did the engine have when Ford replaced it?

I got my SHO back today, after 1.5 weeks at the Dealer. They said a Ford engineer looked at it, and said it was within tolerances. They changed the oil, and it seems to have quited down some. The Dealer said if it starts up again to bring it back.
I'll be back. :frown:
 

LMSRick

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I hate to say it, but it's pretty normal on these cars. Our 2010 did it and our 2013 with less than 500 miles does it as well.

Rick
 

whitecoyote

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I had a lot of start up noise when I used a WIX filter for one oil change. Went back to MC and the noise subsided. Are you using the Motorcraft FL500S Oil Filter?

A lot of WIX users seemed irritated when I posted this. Not knocking their filters, but maybe not the best choice for this engine.

A knock like you describe could also be piston slap, which is usually not fatal, just annoying.
Ford's solution (for now) was to change the oil. They used Amsoil that I provided, and used a Motorcraft filter. It seems to have quited down a lot.
Shaker you might be on to something, since I did have a WIX filter on it. We shall see.
 

cntyheat

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wow

I had a lifter noise at cold start up, 30K. At 34K it suddenly lost power on the freeway at about 80 MPH... Blown smoke like it was on fire. Just got it back from Colley Ford after a month. #2 injector may have stuck. Engine blew, needed a long block. Pretty weak for 34K
 

Paulford8

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Mine isnt as bad as yours but on certain days it does it for just a couple seconds. Doesnt do it every day, and only lasts a couple secs. I have heard many engines knock for a second while building oil pressure so hopefully it is natural.

Good luck with yours!
 

markathome

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Mine started this cold start-up knock around 17k miles. I've read from others that this is common for this engine.
 

Guzzi SVT

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My friends SHO, 2011 I believe, just lost a turbo. Mine is making a lot of cold start rattling (lifters). I wondering if a more reasonable oil weight (10W30) would help or some oil treatment (Lucus)?
 

Guzzi SVT

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I had the oil changed at the Ford dealer yesterday with a MC filter, the noise is gone now. It was obviously the Valvoline oil filter back flow valve that was not working correctly.
 

RedCandySHO

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Don't worry, it will come back. Oil change always solves it on mine for a few weeks, then it comes back.
 

ECOBOOST

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Sorry to dig up an old thread...Has anyone else experienced a similar noise on a cold start? I am assuming that the car is just building up oil pressure but any knocking sound coming from under the hood really scares me. Is this a normal occurrence?

2010 (non PP) SHO with 44k on the clock
 

RedCandySHO

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Normal to me at this point. Mine has always done it. I recently switched to Mobil 1 full synthetic and it seems to have helped a bit, but still not totally eliminated it.
 

SHOdded

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Probably a good idea to stay away from 15K OC intervals, and stick with mfr recommendations regardless of how good your oil claims to be.
 

esfoad

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Probably a good idea to stay away from 15K OC intervals, and stick with mfr recommendations regardless of how good your oil claims to be.

Agree with ^. I use synthetic and change at 5K intervals. Seems like a small price to pay for peace of mind. Same reason I use Premium fuel.
 
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