Okay guys...I have a 2001 Lightning. Stock w/ the exception of CAI and Electric Fan and cobra water pump.

My problem is I have a ticking noise. Sounds like an exhaust leak.
It is the loudest when I am running low RPM's and give it some gas. I only hear the noise under load. I cannot hear it at idle. I even tried a stethoscope. When I am up next to a wall (interstate) it is real loud.

Things I have already checked...

1.) Changed spark plugs...They were all tight... (It was doing it previous to plug change also)
2.) Fuel Filter
3.) Took it to a couple of exhaust shops, and no one can find a leak.

It feels like I ave all my power... Sometimes it seems better than others.

Could it be a lifter?

Any thoughts....And the truck has 49,000 miles

Thanks for all the help...

Tim

 

Have the exhaust checked for proper backpressure. (plugged cat or maybe the muffler) I'm not sure how it's done but I know it can be done.

Also, maybe there is a lazy or broken valve spring? Maybe a slightly bent valve? A compression test would be a good idea..

Rich

 

For what it's worth... I just had to have an exhaust manifold gasket replaced (passenger side).

Started out like what you are describing and just got to the point it was really annoying...

I could have fixed it myself but I had it in for a front-end alignment and had them check it... wasn't a Ford dealer.

Everything is stock concerning the exhaust... only thing that I had worked on before that was the dealer replaced both my cats due to a problem... but that shouldn't have cause the header gasket to go south.

I actually think it was leaking from the get go but never really noticed it.