Ford TSB on the ticking noise


TSB 08-19-5

6.4L DIESEL ENGINE TICKING / TAPPING NOISE
Publication Date: September 9, 2008
FORD:
2008 F-Super Duty
ISSUE:

Some 2008 F-Super Duty 250-550 vehicles equipped with a 6.4L diesel engines may exhibit a random engine ticking / tapping noise that is most noticeable when engine coolant temperature is 185 degrees F (85 degrees C) or higher and from base idle to approximately 1500 RPM. Some customers may complain that this noise becomes more evident after 3000-5000 miles have accumulated on the vehicle or after an engine oil change.

ACTION:
Follow the Service Information.
SERVICE INFORMATION

The ticking / tapping noise is most noticeable at the rear of the driver's side front wheel well. 6.4L Powerstroke Diesel engines exhibit this normal audible condition (some engines will exhibit greater audible noise due to engine build variations). 6.4L Powerstroke Diesel engines are manufactured to tight tolerances in order to meet strict durability and reliability standards.
This noise is caused by the relationship between engine block, crankshaft journals, bearing inserts and oil viscosity / film. This relationship allows a pulsation that resonates through the cylinder block and is heard as a metallic ticking noise. This condition is present on all diesel engines.

Technological improvements and overall noise reduction in today's diesel engines make this issue seem new when in fact it was masked by other noises on previous engines. Other engine manufacturers report similar conditions in their diesel engines. Vehicle testing and engine tear down analysis have confirmed this condition will not effect reliability or long term durability of this engine.
Dealers should not attempt to perform vehicle to vehicle noise comparisons. This may lead to incorrect conclusions and ineffective repairs.
NOTE: DO NOT ATTEMPT REPAIRS FOR THIS NORMAL NOISE CONDITION. REPLACING THE ENGINE OR INTERNAL COMPONENTS WILL NOT REDUCE OR ELIMINATE THE TICKING / TAPPING NOISE. PLEASE PROVIDE THIS BULLETIN TO CUSTOMERS THAT INQUIRE ABOUT THIS CONDITION.


2008 Ford F-250 XLT CC LB 4X4 6.4L PSD Job 2 Pueblo Gold [BFG 305/65R18 T/A KO Tires, 2.5" Ready Lift, Rize Industries Dual Steering Stabilizer Kit w/ Bilstein 5100 Series Monotubes, Roadmaster Rear Suspension, Hellwig RSB, Bilstein BST HD Shocks, Firestone Ride-Rite Heavy Duty Air Helper Springs, Air Lift Wireless Air 72000 - Automatic Leveling Digital On-Board Compressor System, Aries SS Bull Bar, Line-X Bed Liner, A.R.E Bed Lid, Valley Class V Hitch, AFE Pro Dry Stage II Type Cx Intake w/Torque Boost Tube, MBRP SS Exhaust System, SCT Livewire Extreme Programmer, SecureView Rearview Mirror / Backup Camera / Video Display System (4.5" screen), EGR Bug Guard Hood Protector, Husky Mud Guards & Floor Mats, AVS Smoked Vent Shades]