Hello, I have a 99 Ford F150 4.6l with a small peck/tick noise, the noise is only heard during idle. As you increase RPMs or increase the speed it will slowly disappear. The sound seems as if it comes from the passenger side, it also seems noticeable from the bottom of the engine, but also from the top. After consulting with numerous mechanics, I have heard evrything from exhaust leak to timing chain to cam phase. I have only owned the truck for a little more than a month and I am not a professional mechanic by-far. One thing I have done was change the oil. I have looked through various posts/threads but most all of them do not seem to address my problem. Thanks in advance!

 

That engine does not have cam phasers.

What weight oil and what brand oil filter did you use?

 

I am using the reccomended oil for the truck. If my memory serves me right it is 5w-30 with a purolater filter. I have changed the oil and filter and it didn't make a difference.

 

If it's not an exhaust leak, it's probably a sticky hydraulic cam follower (lifter). I'd probably lift the cam cover on that side and take a look in there. If it's all sludged up, I'd probably do an AutoRX treatment.

How many miles are on the truck?

Another possibility - loose spark plug. This is also common, retorque the plugs to 28 ft/lb.

 

I will definitely check the spark plugs because I am aware that before purchasing the truck they had replaced one spark plug. That may be the issue at hand. Ill see where that takes me

 

Do it soon before you have a blowout.