Flutter????

[NoMo]

Flutter is an exhaust noise caused by an oddly designed Y-pipe. Engine replacement mentioned in the "flutter" threads (by Knocker) is due to piston-slap. The two aren't related and neither has proven to be fatal.

[F-250 Hoss]

Like I said the other day, I'm new to both this forum and the world of Ford trucks (used to be a Chevy man . . . never again). I just bought a 2000 Lariat F-250 4x4, SD, SC, SWB, V-10, 3.73LS. I don't even have 500 miles on it yet.

Here's my question. All of this talk about flutter and replacing engines is getting scary. What exactly is flutter and what would it sound like if my truck was doing it. I haven't noticed anything that I think would be called "flutter." Is it something that starts immediately, after x number of miles, only on Friday's or what? What causes it? How can it be fixed? Etc. Somebody fill me in on this stuff. Thanks.

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2000 Lariat F-250 4x4, SC, SWB, V-10, 3.73LS

[robsd]

A little more description.....

Flutter - usually occurs when the engine passes between the 2100-2500 rpm range. It'll do it from day one. Some trucks may experience it at slightly different rpm ranges. It feels (IMO) like a vibration and a "flutter" sound or I might say a kind of a buzz sound. You can definitely feel it come in and go away as your truck shifts and rpm's rise and fall.

Piston Slap - effected the some v-8 and v-10 engines(I remember more about the v-10 because I have one). It's a slapping metal noise generally heard when the engine is cold. It's also supposed to go away after a few minutes when the engine warms up. My research found that any engines built after 4.15.1999 were not affected. The build date can found on the left bank (drivers side) valve cover. My engine was built on 4.28.1999. Ford says it does not affect the engine life. But they're still replacing them? Hmmm. Last poster I heard says they're not getting a "NEW" engine but a ford rebuilt engine.

I hope this helps you Hoss,

Rob

[Red and Tough]

Rob
My engine was built on 5-14-98 and had the dreaded cold engine rattle. I bought one of the first 1999 V-10's in our area. Pick up the SD tonight after work with the new FRB engine. Ford uses a used block and inserts all new guts according to my dealer. As far as it not hurting anything to run, I'm not sure about that. I had the rattle for about 3000 before the dealer ordered a new engine, they told me to go ahead and drive it. We pulled our 5er 2000 miles to Shawnee, OK and back to Colorado the end of Oct. plus some empty driving while down there. The V-10 used 2 quarts of oil on that trip so I would say something else did get hurt. It had never used any oil before that. Really anxious to see how the new engine performs as compared to the old one.

One thing I would like to add for those who read about the V-10's and are considering buying one. Do not let the threads on replacing the engines scare you away from them. Things happen and on new designs sometimes the bugs have to be worked out and most of us with problems have had full cooperation from Ford getting them resolved. I work the H*** out of mine. Truck and trailer gross 20,250# on the scales and then about 75% of the time I'm pulling a 17' Lund Bass Boat behind the 5er, another 2500#s, I know over the limit and somebody on these posts will tell me about it . I'm a little slower on the Colorado passes but I can still keep up with the semi's so not holding up anymore traffic than they do. On the two lane roads if I get traffic behind me I pull off at the next wide spot to let them pass. Sure nice to get a wave instead of the California Howdy. At only 12,000 miles a year I will buy a V-10 again unless I move up to a MD.

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99 F-350 Crewcab V-10 4.30 4X4 Off Road Automatic Bright Red
Rhino Liner K&N Filter Hooker Muffler

[F-250 Hoss]

Thanks for all the info on flutter and piston slap. I haven't checked the date on my engine yet so I don't really know when it was built. I do know one thing though, so far I haven't heard anything that sounded like either flutter or piston slap. If it does it from day one, maybe I'll get lucky and never have to deal with it. My engine runs just as smooth and quiet as you would expect out of a V-10. After driving a Chevy S-10 with a 4-cylinder for the last 5 years while in college, I'm finding I have all kinds of power in my V-10. The only way someone beats me off the line at a red light is if I decide to let them (although my wife doesn't particularly enjy being thrown back into the seat without warning). Thanks for the info.

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2000 Lariat F-250 4x4, SD, SC, SWB, V-10, 3.73LS, Auto

[Knocker]

Just for the record boys, my motor build date was 11-99. I never had cold knocking. I think I probably had flutter. The ford tech said he checked with ford and they concurred with his piston slap diagnosis. Mines been in the shop getting the new motor for a little over a week. My service rep called today and said it would be a while longer so they got me another loaner car. They are also replacing my entire limited slip dual wheel rear end.

I hope the noise (flutter, piston slap?) is gone when I get her back.

I'm not sure why ford is doing all the work on my truck. Maybe they checked the records and saw that I'm a loyal ford customer. I've owned a ton of ford trucks. Maybe my loyalty is worth something? Or maybe, just maybe, there is something wrong? Who knows?

I do know that the V10 with 4:30s pulls better than any truck I've ever driven. Get rid of the damn noise and you've got a hell of a truck.

[V10 man]

My knock started at about 15k. My dealer had a heck of a time getting a replacement engine so I ended up with 43K on her before getting it replaced. It ran great and used little to no oil. Here is a pic of my FQR replacement.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewP...733&p=34371629

[This message has been edited by V10 man (edited 12-08-2000).]

[XUPE09RJS]

Hi guy's I am new to this BB but have had my F250 CC,SB,4X4,V10 for about 19 month's.The truck has been great except for a fuel & wheel sensors.But my question is with 50,000 miles on my truck and it just started knocking in the morning at startup will my Ford dealer warrant this? PS: This is a great forum.

[F-250 Hoss]

XUPE09RJS,

I'm new to this forum too. I think you'll find a heck of a lot of good information here. I only learned about it around a week ago and I've learned a lot listening to what everyone else has encountered. Chances are, if there's any kind of issue with your truck, someone else here has encountered the same thing.

As far as your question goes, I can't help you much. My truck only has about 600 miles on it. I would suggest posting your question again as a new topic. You're more likely to get responses out there.


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2000 Lariat F-250 4x4, SD, SC, SWB, V-10, 3.73LS, Auto

[V10 man]

XUPEO9RJS,

Was your truck built prior to 4-15-99? If so you may be able to complain loud enough to Ford and get something done. Have your dealer look up TSB 12798 and 12799. I have a copy of these TSB's if you'd like to see them. Drop me an E-mail. Otherwise, at 50K you're out of warranty and prolly luck too.