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Falcon XLS noisy engine

  • By Graham Smith
  • Carsguide
  • 19 January 2012

Dean Penrose
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Q

I've recently bought a 2002 5.4-litre Falcon XLS Ute. At cold idle the engine is quiet, but after a trip when the engine is hot it does get a fair bit noisier, particularly when at idle. Is this normal? I'm getting around 14.6 L/100 km around town and close to 500 km per tank, is this normal or too much?

Graham Smith
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A

The fuel consumption is maybe a little too high, I reckon 11-12 L/  100 km would be closer to what you should get, but a lot depends on the load you carrying, the speeds you drive at, the traffic density etc, which makes it hard to be too specific. As for the engine I reckon you need to have it thoroughly checked over, it doesn't sound healthy to me.

Comments on this story

Displaying 2 of 2 comments

  • Camshaft phasers are an issue with the 5.4 3 valve. The noise is prominent when the oil is hot. Increase engine speed from idle to around 1200-1300 rpm in neutral and if the noise disappears it’s the cam phasers. Ford Aus will charge you $400 - $500 per phaser + fitting, but you can get them off ebay from the USA for about 180 each! Your fuel consumption is normal.

    Shane Thomas of Brisbane Posted on 01 February 2012 10:09pm

  • 2002 5.4-litre Falcon around 14.6 L/100 km around town and close to 500 km sounds about right. 11-12 L/  100 km more likely for extra urban. A 5.4 litre V8 will slurp the juice. You did not buy it for economy did you.

    Quantum of Solace of Melbourne Posted on 26 January 2012 10:12pm

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