Help! Timing Rattle...A Lot of it?!?

[TBland]

I have a 03 SO with the Edge J/A, AFE and no muffler, 100K. I have an intermittant timing rattle... very loud... usually at part throttle or low load conditions such as highway travel. There is a difference in the rattle between level 5 and 0 on the edge module, however other times there is no noise at all so I'm not sure the Edge module is to blame. I notice significant power loss (seat of the pants) when the rattle starts, however there is never any smoke and there were no codes at all. Truck starts and runs fine.





I would love to solve this soon as I am worried about long term effects





Thanks very much and a Happy Christmas season to you all,



Tim

 

[Triton]

it seems to be a pretty common issues anymore on many trucks. I think the new ULSD have a big part of why we're seeing it so much. Obviously, your Edge is also advancing the timing to compound the issue.



You could see if there any flashes available from the dealer which has help a little for some. You could also try using some 2 stroke oil in the tank when you fill up or use some kind of fuel treatment.



Not saying this will help but, it's a start. I'm surprised you're seeing a power loss though... usually advanced timing will increase power.

 

[TBland]

OK, Thanks. I kinda thought it may have to do with the ULSD fuel... any other thoughts?

 

[JimB1]

Run couple tanks of Bio-diesel then change fuel filter.

 

[NUKEMAN]

I also have an '03 and experienced what I thought was timing rattle, but it was only occasionally. I found some Sulfur Replacement at a local auto parts store and gave it a try. It definitely improved it, to the point where I can't hear it anymore. Not sure if it was in fact due to the ULSD, but it (the noise) started about a month after the stations up here switched to it.

 

[betterthanstock]

I have a 03 SO with the Edge J/A, AFE and no muffler, 100K. I have an intermittant timing rattle... very loud... usually at part throttle or low load conditions such as highway travel. There is a difference in the rattle between level 5 and 0 on the edge module, however other times there is no noise at all so I'm not sure the Edge module is to blame. I notice significant power loss (seat of the pants) when the rattle starts, however there is never any smoke and there were no codes at all. Truck starts and runs fine.





I would love to solve this soon as I am worried about long term effects





Thanks very much and a Happy Christmas season to you all,



Tim

Usually a rattle + power loss = low fuel pressure. Check your lift pump and fuel filter. Is fuel gelling in the winter? Etc... ...

Also, FCA (fuel control actuator) going bad.

 

[AABEN]

Try adding some howes fuel additides. have ran it for 600'000 miles in 89 and in my 03 runs very good.

 

[DPKetchum]

Pull that box off and see what it does stock before I'd dig any further.

 

[TBland]

Thanks for all of the replies... sorry to take so long to get back with everyone. I have not had a reliable internet connection for a while. All good suggesions... I guess from a troubleshooting perspective starting with the basics I will change the fuel filter and run the truck on edge level 0.



Thanks again,



Tim

 

[betterthanstock]

I have also noticed that ATF type F works great at cleaning and quieting noisy injectors.



Found something about ATF:



"The friction coefficient of Dexron III/Mercon fluid increases as the sliding speed increases. The friction coefficient of Ford Type F fluid decreases as the sliding speed increases.

Stating the above sentence another way, Ford Type F fluid has a Low Cf at high speeds, and a high Cf at low speeds. Conversely, Dexron Type fluids have a High Cf at high speeds and a Low Cf at low speeds. "



I've twice used it (type F, one quart/tank) to quiet my injectors.



On edit, type F has a huge amount of phosphorous, and it will damage catalysts if used continually. My 2003 has no cat from the factory.

 

[TBland]

Interesting... I had heard a few rumors about the ATF. I think I will also go ahead and replace the FCA. At $100, it seems worthwhile



Thanks,



Tim

 

[Heavyweight]

Try MMO as well. I use this to help the injectors get cleaned. MMO does not help with lubricity,,, but it does clean.

 

[Triton]

Interesting... I had heard a few rumors about the ATF. I think I will also go ahead and replace the FCA. At $100, it seems worthwhile



Thanks,



Tim

There a number of thing that will cause rattles. Finding the cure can be difficult. IMO, your $100 would be much better spent on a Starscan at the dealer. They may not even charge you if you just want to see if the FCA is bad. For a hour shop time though, you could have them connect the Starscan and look for other issues.



My truck has a rattle too and have already been through several possible causes. The FCA, TPS & MAP were all something I thought could be a cause. Starscan showed otherwise and I saved myself a few hundred by not replacing parts.



FWIW... . you should NEVER use trans fluid in you fuel. ATF isn't meant to burn the way fuel does and there are plenty of quality additives to use instead of trans fluid !



This is from Cummins.....



Great care must be exercised in the choice and use of additives. Some fuel additives can be harmful to the engine. Fuel additives containing ash forming materials will cause combustion chamber deposits. Most legitimate fuel additives perform only one function. Multifunctional fuel additives are mixtures of several additives. All fuel additives perform differently in different fuels; therefore, the additive used must be one to which the fuel will respond. There are no known additives that increase the power or improve the efficiency of a properly maintained engine.



NOTE: Cummins Inc. accepts no liability for engine damage resulting from the use of fuel additives which are not specifically approved. Consult your fuel supplier for guidance on additive use. Fuels for Cummins engines

 

[TBland]

Well, the more I do some reading, the more I am realizing just how common this problem is. I don't plan on running ATF as I really can't confirm that it is safe for the fuel system. Based on what I have read so far, my plan is the following,



1. Have a diagnostic done on the truck. . injector cut out, scan for codes, etc (done, found nothing)

2. Change the fuel filter (done)

3. Try PS silver (I have used stanadyne and Lucas in the past)

4. attempt to clean the FCA as I have read of a few cases where this has worked.

5. Check for the "bare wire" situation near the a/c compressor

6. Load my gooseneck dump trailer with gravel and find some big hills



Thanks for all of the input,



Tim

 

[robmints]

Tim, did you find a fix?

 

[TBland]

Update

OK, so I ended up just replacing the FCA and the truck runs great... good consistent power, no noise etc. I hope you all don't just go replacing this part though, it was a risk and I don't have enough miles to confirm this as the problem. I will post back in a couple of weeks when I get off work (I run a tug in NY harbor).



Thanks again,



Tim