Ford 3550 knocking?

Hello all! Long time lurker finally decided to join because looks like my backhoe project isn't going to be as simple as I'd wished.
Everytime I Google something ,this forum pops up so here I am lol.

So I've come into a left for dead 3550 industrial backhoe .
I picked it up with no history from a buddy that runs a scrap yard other than it turns over but won't start .
So I load it up and bring it home .
They burnt up the starter trying to start it, so I had that rebuilt .
Cables were missing so I made new ones from aught gauge welding lead.
All fuel lines removed ,cleaned, reinstalled, as well as a new fuel filter .
IP wasn't putting out fuel so I had it and the injectors rebuilt by the most reputable diesel shop in my area.
1700 later .
Now she runs ,but this little dude is loud !
Like I think it's knocking loud !
I had my stepson look at it ( he's a certified Kubota technician)
And he kind thinks it might be knocking too.
But not enough to be sure since this yellow contraption isn't orange, lol.
Is there anyway I can besure besides dropping the pan and seeing how much the big ends shake ?

I don't mind spending money to solve a problem, but I can't stand spending money when I don't need to.

This post was edited by Moparminnion on 08/15/2023 at 08:58 pm.

So the SIL is a certified tractor technician?? Then he
should have told you a couple ways to diagnose the
problem. I am hoping if a rod bearing is going out that
he would have been able to tell you that and that you
should not run it any more. Is the knock louder as you
crack the throttle open off idle? That can point to a rod
bearing on the way out, piston wrist pin is loose or a
piston is cracked or broke. Loosen each injector line
and crack the throttle and see what effect that has on
the noise. Get a long extension, screw driver, broom
handle or dowel. Grasp around the end with you thumb
covering the end. Hold your thumb to your ear and
hold the opposite end to the engine or wherever the
knock is coming from. Use it like a stethoscope to
pinpoint the noise.

Is the oil pressure in spec?

Have you changed the oil and filter? Do you have the old filter, if so cut it open with snips and see
what's inside. If not run the one that's on it now for a short while, cut it open, and drain some oil
through a paint filter, look for glitter.

I don't see an oil pressure gauge.
But I can definitely cut the oil filter open, I did check the dipstick and I didn't see anything alarming.
I'll try that later and report back.

Welcome to the forum
It could help you if you started another thread in the Ford section, their are a few knowledgeable Ford people that only visit that section of the forum

I'll givebit a try ,thanks!

You can probably get a test gauge at one of the chain auto supplies in their loan-a-tool program.

Oil pressure is a good indicator of the health of the bottom end of an engine. The first place low pressure will show up is at idle when fully warmed up. It takes the oil longer to get warm than the coolant, so it will need to be run, preferably worked a while to get it fully warm.

A shop manual will be a valuable investment. It will have the oil pressure specs you need, and tons of other information that is critical to doing any successful repairs or diagnostics. Diesels are not like gas engines, they are unforgiving of any short cuts! A small mistake WILL cost BIG money!