Any help here would be appreciated. I know this has been beat to death on these and other forums, I know because I've looked. Anyway, here goes.... I have a 2007 SCREW 5.4. 120000 on engine. I bought it with 114000. Shortly after purchasing from dealer engine started ticking. Few days later it rained and truck started missing. Figured plugs so took to dealer. Dealer diagnosed loose plug(s) and need new COPs. Dealer fixed on their dime. No more miss no more tick. Truck ran great. One month later truck has tick again. Appears to come from passenger side of engine. No codes, truck runs good, appropriate power, not great but about what I've read it should have. Does not idle poorly or anything else. I checked plugs and COPs and all appear secure. I have listened to several recordings of bad cam phasers and this does not sound like cam phasers. It is not a knock, truck does not sound like a diesel. It is a steady tick tick tick. Very noticeable. It does not get louder or softer and is there at any engine temp. It does increase in tempo as more throttle is given but remains no matter what RPM. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Just trying to get an idea. Thanks all in advance

 

It may be a lifter making the noise. I use full Synthetic oil only and not the bends. I got 210K on my 4.6 with no noises.

 

How did you check the plugs? Did you pull the cops and put a wrench on the plugs?

 

Sounds like an exhaust leak from the passenger manifold to me. Pretty common issue among these trucks.

 

It does increase in tempo as more throttle is given but remains no matter what RPM.
Get some heater hose 3/4-3ft, put one end against you ear and the other end where you think the noise is. Lifter noise will speed up with rpm. exhaust manifold leaks will disappear w/ faster rpm unless it is a big leak.

 

Your 4.6 generally has way less issues than the 5.4 though. Not sure the full synthetic really does all that much unless you're going for extended drain intervals. My friend has the 4.6 in his 2005 f150, 200k+ miles, and that thing gets whatever cheap lube shops in his area put in it. Still runs great.

I ran full synthetic from new to about 50k and then switched to motorcraft 5w20 blend. Can't beat that oil for the price. I've also heard it's just as good if not better than some of the full synthetics out there.

 

Thanks for the reply(s). Yes pulled COPs and checked plugs with a wrench. I use MC 5-20 and MC filter. I can not isolate the sound more than the passenger side though it does sound like the lifter ticks of old. I disconnected vct solenoid but it changed nothing. Thought injectors but tick is way louder than an injector.

 

The cam cover needs to be pulled and the cam and followers need to be inspected.

 

Did a bit more digging. Definitely passenger side. Tick appears to be coming from somewhere near cyls 2,3, and 4. I can hear the tick more distinctly from passenger fender well or under passenger side truck.

 

Just a quick update. Took truck to dealer. Apparently valve let loose. Dealer is replacing engine under warranty. TGFFESP. Thanks all for helpful suggestions.