I have a 2004 L with 78,800 miles with NO engine mods. About a month ago I started to notice a ticking sound coming from under the hood. I wasn't too shocked at first, because my old 96 F150 had a ticking sound once and it turned out to just be the idler pully ( a $10, 5 minute fix). Well as I began to study the noise, I started to notice that the ticking sound was coming from the right top side of my engine, just above the head cover, near the fuel rail/ injectors.
I've done some research and various forums have narrowed it down to either the injectors or the lifters that are ticking.
I used some Lucas Oil fuel injector cleaner a couple of fill-ups ago to find no changes in the sound.
Most people that have heard my trucks engine say that it sounds like the lifters making noise.

So my main question: has anyone else had this problem with their Lightning??
I'm no mechanic and have only owned my lightning for about 6 months now, so I'm still trying to learn about it. I would greatly appreciate ANY help!

 

STOP!!!

DO NOT START THE ENGINE ANY MORE!!

It's might be a Plug backing out.

 

Even on an 04? I thought the extra threads were supposed to help fix that problem? But if that is indeed the case, you need to get it torqued properly immediately. Blown plugs are big bucks -- i know from experience.

 

Sounds like either a plug coming loose or #5 piston slap (sounds like lifter issue)

 

check your plugs before you go anyfurther.

 

whats up guys I have a 2003 svtf150 with 75000 miles on it and have the same problem,but a mechanic told me its the lifters they need to be replace.But before I put the big money on it Im trying to find an alternate way,any suggestions.

 

My 03 ticks also, it seems it gets worse after every oil change. Even though I prime the oil filter before installing it. Heck I’ve done that since day one. Our trucks manual should say in it to pre-fill our oil filters so that it doesn’t tick as much after an oil change. It’s the only vehicle I’ve ever owned that I had to do this too. Just a thought.

 

i had a ticking noise on my 01 Lightning for about a year and a half and i was almost 100% sure it was a lifter. Well come to find out, one day when i was piddling around, i found a spark plug that was about 1/2 turn out and loose. i tightened it up and was THRILLED to find my ticking noise GONE, just like that. Glad i didn't tear into those lifters!! of course i already had 16 new lifters and the OTC ford valve spring tool, which by the way are for sale since i dont need them anymore.