I have a 99 with a 5.4. There is a ticking sound coming from the engine, and I can't tell where in the engine it's coming from. It's done it for over a year now. The ticks don't really get louder, but they get faster the more I accelerate (if that makes sense). Also I get a rattle at about 40mph. It sounds like it is coming from the exhaust. If I let off the gas it stops, but if I push the accelerator down it starts again. This rattle comes and goes.

 

First thing to check is the spark plugs - they have a tendency to loosen if they are not torqued down to 28 ft/lb. Factory spec is 15 ft/lb. The rattle might be spark knock, try a tank of premium gas.

Then again, you may have an exhaust leak.

 

famous for broken manifold studs and manifold gasket leaks. you get an exhaust tick usually gets louder the more you put your foot down.

 

Its a long shot, but maybe try that lucas oil stuff thats supposed to free lifters. I have heard that a stuck lifter can cause a ticking sound.

 

My guess from the description is an exhaust leak.

 

im betting its an exhaust leak. I have a manifold leak on mine

 

I go along with glc on the engine tick. I had that same noise coming from my 99 5.4 just the way you describe it. That was before it blew a loose plug through a coil pack. Mine lasted a long time too before it blew out. It finally loosen itself enough and BANG!!! I'd start with a re-torque of the plugs.

 

I tried a tank of premium gas a while back a could tell no difference. I will check on the plugs. I put new ones in about 4 years ago and maybe have put 30,000 miles since then.

I crawled underneath yesterday and sure enough the back two manifold bolts were broken off on the passenger side. Since they're studs, I guess they'd have to be drilled with a left hand bit or use an easy out. How much would an exhaust shop charge for that? I'd probably find a mom and pop place to do it.

I got underneath with it running, and the ticking really sounded like it was coming from around the flywheel or the oil sump. Do you think the manifold bolts could be the only source?