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Symptoms · 7.3 Godzilla (gas)
7.3 Godzilla (gas): ticking, knocking, rattle or whine
4 documented failures on this engine list this among their signs. They are ordered from the most widespread down. Each one shows the signs in its record's own words, how to tell it from the others, the usual fix and any recall or bulletin.
Not sure which engine you have, or want the recalls for your exact truck? Check your VIN: it names the engine and lists the campaigns for that model year. Whether a recall is still open on your VIN: nhtsa.gov/recalls.
verified
How widespread: Common
13 NHTSA owner complaints match it, out of 58 checked
How it shows up
- tapping noise that progresses to a misfire on one cylinder and a rough run
Its other signs
- check engine light / misfire codes (P0300-P0308), sometimes a flashing light under load
- metal in the oil filter; owners report engine replacement once metal has circulated
How to tell it apart
- locate the noise: lower front at the timing cover/oil pan seam on 2020-2022 = check the oil pump drive gear first (SSM 50830/51330); top end and following one cylinder = lifter/cam
- read misfire counters; a misfire that follows the cylinder (not the coil or plug) points to the valvetrain
- cut the oil filter: metal means the cam/lifter damage has circulated
Usual fix
replace collapsed lifter(s); inspect the corresponding cam lobe - a flaked lobe means cam replacement, not just the lifter
Recalls and bulletins
Ford 24B27 (and supplements S1-S3)
Root cause, parts and sources →
aggregated
How widespread: Common
How it shows up
- weep-hole seepage / bearing noise on the water pump at higher mileage
Its other signs
- temperature swings under tow; degas bottle level drift
How to tell it apart
- pressure-test the system; inspect the weep hole and bearing play
- check thermostat opening under load before replacing the radiator
Usual fix
service: water pump / thermostat / degas hardware as wear
Root cause, parts and sources →
aggregated
How widespread: Common
How it shows up
- ticking at cold start that quiets as metal warms (classic leak signature)
Its other signs
- exhaust smell / soot trace at the manifold flange
- reported most often on trucks used for regular heavy towing (rear bolts)
How to tell it apart
- listen at cold start at each manifold runner; look for soot trails at the flange
- confirm the tick is exhaust (warms-and-quiets), not valvetrain (constant)
Usual fix
replace broken bolts and gaskets; both banks are conventional PFI exhaust without aftertreatment hardware in the manifold path
Root cause, parts and sources →
verified
How widespread: Occasional
How it shows up
- ticking / clicking / tapping at idle, loudest at the lower front where the timing cover meets the oil pan
- noise still present with the accessory belt removed
How to tell it apart
- listen at the lower front of the engine at idle
- remove the accessory drive belt and retest; if the noise remains, Ford's procedure is to remove the oil pan and rotate the crankshaft 360 degrees to inspect the gear for cracks
Usual fix
replace the oil pump drive gear (Ford LC3Z-6306-A per SSM 50830/51330)
Recalls and bulletins
SSM 51330SSM 50830
Root cause, parts and sources →
Other symptoms on the 7.3 Godzilla (gas)
Hard start, long crank or no-startMisfire, rough idle, hesitation or surging
Everything on the 7.3 Godzilla (gas)Its recalls and bulletins