I had the infamous "ticking" noise for the past few months and it seemed to be getting louder. Took the L to an SVT dealer in Jacksonville, FL and was told it was nothing to worry about. I had been searching on the Lightning board and there were many responses about it being piston slap but some mentioned it could also be a loose spark plug.

I should have checked those plugs! I was coming home from work today and just driving the truck normally and *BAM* It sounded like I ran over something and then the truck began running really rough. I knew instantly I had dropped a cylinder. Pulled over and the next to last plug wire from the rear on the passenger side was blowing out as the engine was running.

I figured it would be ok to baby it and drive it home (about 10 miles or so), so I did and then called the dealership and my warranty company to get it in the shop. The wrecker just came and picked it up earlier. We'll see what they say, but I'm pretty sure I blew a plug.

Was I wrong to drive it home 10 miles or so? I didn't think it would hurt it.

If anyone gets a ticking noise, check those spark plugs! I have learned my lesson the hard way!!

One other question... if they give me new heads, are they only putting on the new 03 or 04 heads now with the better threads? I am going to ask the service person about that if they end up putting new heads on my truck. Is there anything else I should be asking about?

By the way, its an '02 with 31K on it. Shame to be blowing a plug this early, but I still love her anyway. I bought it with 24K on it about a year ago, but I'm pretty sure the engine is stock. We'll see what Ford says about that.

 

That's too bad, chances are that if they replace anything it will only be the damaged head and not both of them..

 

You've had your truck for a year and you haven't checked the plugs yet?

 

I also noticed that you have been on the board since January 05. How did you NOT see posts about spitting plugs?

 

Thanks for the replies. I was planning on replacing the plugs at some point, bud didn't think I would have to do it at only 20-30K miles. Hopefully my post will keep others from making the same mistake. Like I said, I learned my lesson!

 

Mileage doesn't have anything to do with spiting plugs. It's the fact that they were either overtorqued or installed under torque. Properly torqued plugs don't give people issues, even those pushing high boost through the motor!

 

I have an '02 L with 52k miles and have never looked at my plugs.

 

So what is the proper torque to apply to the plugs when installing them?

 

15 ft-lbs is what's called out with anitseze... I don't use a torque wrench all the time, I just make sure they are snug and not overtighten.

 

'TICK'

A parasite type burrowing insect that latches on to it's host and sucks blood.
Often found on wild animals and domestic pets that roam outdoors.

Difficult to remove - a bit like gaining access to spark plugs on a Ford Lightning.


DC had the right answer - Check your plugs and read the forum