I have a 06 scab with 2000 miles. Shorly after I got it I noticed the engine making a ticking noise, audible in the cab, at hot idle. The tick occurs about 4 times per second at idle, increases with engine speed, and can't be heard above 1000 rpm. The strange thing is that I can't hear it outside the truck or under the hood. I have done many searches and found a lot of info about cam phasers and loud injectors but am still not sure if I should be worried about this or not. I don't want to get the truck worked on if it isn't nessesary.

Thanks for the help.

Jeff

 

You have a case of VCT(Variable Cam Timing)Phasers knock something these 5.4L 3v motors are known for. Ford has A TSB on it just take it back in they will fix it. Mine does it slightly but Im out of my warranty but it said to not hurt the engine itself just the noise.

 

It's the injectors that tick, the cam phaser noise is a knock sound made at hot idle.

 

Look to see if you have the grommit under the gas pedal, or if it fell out. Mine came out before and you can hear the audible tick inside the cab... Not so much outside.

 

my truck (isn't an 06) makes all kinds of ticks since i've had it. Yes, the lifters or the injectors do tick loud at idel. Something knocked loose while offroading in the catalytic converts I think, becasue when it idels it sounds like crack or leak in the header

 

Thanks for the responses. I checked for the grommet and it is in place. I would describe the noise as a tick audible at the top of the dash. The fuel injectors are quite noisy but I don't here the distinct tick, 4 times per second, under the hood.

Jeff

 

One other thing. The tick is worse for a short period after backing up. Does this make any sense?

 

I know this is a long shot but I have heard of bug shields hitting the fenders and the tick or noise transfering into the cab. If you have one check it!

 

I think I finally figured this out. There is a metal ground strap, connected to the firewall, that was laying across a fuel injector. Evidently the fuel injector noise was traveling through the ground strap and was amplified by the firewall.

 

Those little noises are quite annoying at times. Hope you found it!

 

TSB
06-9-11 LOUD TICKING NOISE - 3-VALVE ENGINES - STUCK LASH ADJUSTER

Publication Date: May 1, 2006

FORD: 2006 Mustang, Expedition, Explorer, F-150, F-250, F-350
LINCOLN: 2006 Mark LT, Navigator
MERCURY: 2006 Mountaineer

ISSUE:
Some vehicles equipped with 4.6L, 5.4L, and 6.8L 3-valve engines built between 1/11/2006 and 2/14/2006 may exhibit a loud ticking noise in the valve train area. This may be caused by a stuck/collapsed lash adjuster.

ACTION:
Verify engine build date, isolate, and replace any stuck/collapsed lash adjuster by following the Service Procedure.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Check date code on the engine, located on the engine timing cover.
Date code between 1/11/2006 and 2/14/2006, proceed to Step 2.
Date code NOT between 1/11/2006 and 2/14/2006, this TSB does not apply, perform normal diagnostics.
Isolate the source of the noise to the cam cover on either Bank 1 or Bank 2. If the noise is not isolated to either cam cover, this TSB does not apply. Follow normal Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures for additional diagnostics.
Remove the appropriate cam cover.
Check for stuck/collapsed lash adjuster(s) by placing the cam lobe on the base circle and inspecting for loose cam followers as a result of the lash adjuster plunger being bottomed out.
NOTE: A COLLAPSED LASH ADJUSTER WILL RESULT IN EXCESSIVE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE LASH ADJUSTER AND THE CAM FOLLOWER.

NOTE: WHEN CHECKING "3V" LASH ADJUSTERS - A "SPONGY" LASH ADJUSTER IS NORMAL WHEN OIL PRESSURE IS "NOT" APPLIED.

Replace only the affected lash adjuster(s) on the affected bank(s) following the procedures outlined in the appropriate WSM, Section 303.

PART NUMBER PART NAME
5L1Z-6500-A Adjuster Assembly

WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
060911A 2006 Expedition/Navigator 5.4L 3V: Isolate And Replace Lash Adjuster(s) Right Side Of Engine (Do Not Use With 6051A, 6306A, 9424A, 6584A, 6256A, 6250A, 6500A) 4.6 Hrs.
060911A 2006 F-150/Mark LT 5.4L 3V: Isolate And Replace Lash Adjuster (s) Right Side Of Engine (Do Not Use With 6051A, 6306A, 9424A, 6584A, 6256A, 6250A, 6500A) 3.8 Hrs.
060911A 2006 Explorer/Mountaineer 4.6L 3V: Isolate And Replace Lash Adjuster(s) Right Side Of Engine (Do Not Use With 6051A, 6306A, 9424A, 6584A, 6256A, 6250A, 6500A) 2.6 Hrs.
060911A 2006 Super Duty 5.4L 3V: Isolate And Replace Lash Adjuster(s) Right Side Of Engine (Do Not Use With 6051A, 6306A, 9424A, 6584A, 6256A, 6250A, 6500A) 3.2 Hrs.
060911A 2006 Super Duty 6.8L 3V: Isolate And Replace Lash Adjuster(s) Right Side Of Engine (Do Not Use With 6051A, 6306A, 9424A, 6584A, 6256A, 6250A, 6500A) 4.9 Hrs.
060911A 2006 Mustang 4.6L 3V: Isolate And Replace Lash Adjuster (s) Right Side Of Engine (Do Not Use With 6051A, 6306A, 9424A, 6584A, 6256A, 6250A, 6500A) 2.3 Hrs.
060911B 2006 Expedition/Navigator 5.4L 3V: Isolate And Replace Lash Adjuster(s) Left Side Of Engine (Do Not Use With 6051A, 6306A, 9424A, 6584A, 6256A, 6250A, 6500A) 2.6 Hrs.
060911B 2006 F-150/Mark LT 5.4L 3V: Isolate And Replace Lash Adjuster (s) Left Side Of Engine (Do Not Use With 6051A, 6306A, 9424A, 6584A, 6256A, 6250A, 6500A) 2.6 Hrs.
060911B 2006 Explorer/Mountaineer 4.6L 3V:: Isolate And Replace Lash Adjuster(s) Left Side Of Engine (Do Not Use With 6051A, 6306A, 9424A, 6584A, 6256A, 6250A, 6500A) 2.4 Hrs.
060911B 2006 Super Duty 5.4L 3V: Isolate And Replace Lash Adjuster(s) Left Side Of Engine (Do Not Use With 6051A, 6306A, 9424A, 6584A, 6256A, 6250A, 6500A) 2.7 Hrs.
060911B 2006 Super Duty 6.8L 3V: Isolate And Replace Lash Adjuster(s) Left Side Of Engine (Do Not Use With 6051A, 6306A, 9424A, 6584A, 6256A, 6250A, 6500A) 3.1 Hrs.
060911B 2006 Mustang 4.6L 3V: Isolate And Replace Lash Adjuster (s) Left Side Of Engine (Do Not Use With 6051A, 6306A, 9424A, 6584A, 6256A, 6250A, 6500A) 2.4 Hrs.
060911C 2006 Expedition/Navigator 5.4L 3V: Isolate And Replace Lash Adjuster(s) Both Sides Of Engine (Do Not Use With 6051A, 6306A, 9424A, 6584A, 6256A, 6250A, 6500A) 6.6 Hrs.
060911C 2006 F-150/Mark LT 5.4L 3V: Isolate And Replace Lash Adjuster (s) Both Sides Of Engine (Do Not Use With 6051A, 6306A, 9424A, 6584A, 6256A, 6250A, 6500A) 5.6 Hrs.
060911C 2006 Explorer/Mountaineer 4.6L 3V: Isolate And Replace Lash Adjuster(s) Both Sides Of Engine (Do Not Use With 6051A, 6306A, 9424A, 6584A, 6256A, 6250A, 6500A) 4.4 Hrs.
060911C 2006 Super Duty 5.4L 3V: Isolate And Replace Lash Adjuster(s) Both Sides Of Engine (Do Not Use With 6051A, 6306A, 9424A, 6584A, 6256A, 6250A, 6500A) 5.3 Hrs.
060911C 2006 Super Duty 6.8L 3V: Isolate And Replace Lash Adjuster(s) Both Sides Of Engine (Do Not Use With 6051A, 6306A, 9424A, 6584A, 6256A, 6250A, 6500A) 7.4 Hrs.
060911C 2006 Mustang 4.6L 3V: Isolate And Replace Lash Adjuster (s) Both Sides Of Engine (Do Not Use With 6051A, 6306A, 9424A, 6584A, 6256A, 6250A, 6500A) 4.2 Hrs.

DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
6500 69

 

My name has a similar problem - sounds like a small diesel at idle and ~1100rpm the sound completely goes away. Odd!