This is an update to the following threads:

"WTF!!! This may be my last Ford!"
https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...threadid=77643

"UPDATE on Ticking Sound (and my LAST Ford!)"
https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...threadid=78475

"Pics of Plug Trauma (and Famous Ticking)"
https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...threadid=79721

I got my truck back after they put on the new head (and new plugs, oil, etc.). I almost soiled myself when I got back in the saddle - it felt like taking delivery of a brand new Lightning all over again. All the same smells, sounds, and emotions were still there - and she runs GREAT! I don't know if the boost actuator was moved during the head R&R, but the boost seems to kick in a little more urgently now and it feels awesome! There's no trace of any ticking now either (WHEW!). ;g

Thanks everyone for all of the thoughtful responses and advice. I'm glad you all were around to help me get through my L's little "surgery." And BTW, I reminded the tech about plugging that little hole in the back of the head before starting her up for the first time and guess what he forgot to do...

 

FINALLY, i am glad you still wanna drive it after all that!

--Justin

 

LOL, I would be happy in a Toyota Camry after driving that ragged loaner Contour for so long. Just kidding! There is no substitute for the Lightning on the road today. I can get my jollies in other kinds of cars, but I get off faster in the L. (Now don't read too much into that statement folks!)

 

WOW, cool that is good to hear, i think, or somthin....

 

Hey now!!! That's ... um... not cool!

 

That's great news BIG. What exactly was wrong with the head ?

 

Not sure if anything was really "wrong" with the head except it couldn't hold in all of the spark plugs and spit one out. Maybe it was a machining defect at the factory, or bad luck... who knows. I wasn't the first, and I won't be the last, so check your plugs often!

 

congrats on the fix, and some good advise on plugs, if you frequently "push" your Lightning. i'm on my 11th set at 39K. mostly because of nitrous, but this truck has made me a little "pluganoid", or something

 

Awesome news

 

I figured it was the dreaded launch-a-plug syndrome. Glad you got fixed up!

 

I also have a tick and its in for service right now, how loud was your tick? was it at idle only? I was thinking mine was an exhaust leak but dunno..

Brandon

 

Ben is back in the saddle again and lookin' proud!

Dan

 

Brandon, my tick could be heard at idle and throughout the rev range (speed dependent). Sounds sorta like an exhaust leak. See my other posts for more detailed info...

 

Glad to hear you got it all sorted out. Now take it to the track and see what it'll do~!

 

Good idea, I have already missed every race event this season (but I guess in retrospect I should have taken the loaner car out!). I am going to try and come out to FFW in Richmond since NLOC is expected to make a big showing...