Strange Rattling Noise

[SubVet]

Let me start out by saying this is my first diesel, I bought it about a week ago. I am definitely a novice when it comes to diesels. It’s a 1999 (1/99 build date) F250 with an auto and 87k. I don’t believe any modifications have ever been done to the truck. The only thing that I have done to the truck so far, is a set of gauges (tran/boost/egt). I'm planning to install DIY intake next week. It still has the stock exhaust on it.

Now for my problem.

There is a strange rattling noise (sounds like a loose heat shield) that sounds like it is coming from the engine. It goes away as soon as I give it a little throttle.

Any Ideas?

[NCHornet]

Rattles are hard to diagnose over the internet. Start it up and start crawling around until you find it. FWIW You have a early 99, these trucks are different from a late 99 and up. You have a 15 degree Hpop instead of the 17 degree the later models have. You also don't have a Intake Air Heater. There are some other differences as well but I haven't slept and I am dead tired. Do a search for early 99 and you will find what you should no. Makes a difference when buying some parts. Congrats on finding a low mileaged 7.3.

[SubVet]

I thought 1/99 would have the 17* HPOP but the early supension.

It almost seems mechanical to me, because it goes away as soon as I give it a little throttle (it does matter if I'm in drive or park).

thanks

[X JBM X]

Your rattle is more than likely the Torque Converter.

I have a '99 also, 02/99 build date, and the Torque Converter rattles like a son of a *****.

If I touch the throttle at all, the noise goes away.

Now, as far as getting rid of the noise, it's not worth it to.

You're better off driving the truck until the transmission needs to be replaced, and then taking care of the noise at that time. Unfortunate, I know. I have this same problem. The fact of the matter is, that I don't have extra cash to replace the TC now, and then do it again when the transmission dies.