The L makes a ticking but almost like a rattling noise on the driver side when crusing at 35-45 MPH or when giving it gas at thoses speeds it will make the noise. Even when i step on the gas hard and the supercharger kicks in I can hear it but it's a high pich ticking to a ratttle. There is no mods, stock L. Is this a spark plug about to blow or what? I even had it at the dealer but they don't know what it is.

Ryan

 

Better check your plugs...pronto.

 

The noise had been there since new. Now has 8,000 miles. What can I tell the dealer. Plugs coming loose under warnty.

 

If it sounds like an exhaust leak which is more distinct than injector noise,i would get it checked whether they cover it under warranty or not.

Actually, i would be checking the plugs myself,the minute the motor was cool,but if not yourself,get somone to do it soon.

I beleived my ticking was a bad valve spring and even my engine builder thought the same,after all, how many production vehicles have plugs shooting out of the heads because they were designed with only four threads.

 

Will the dealer tighten the plugs under warranty and check the valve springs. Since the nosie has been there for 8,000 miles and if the plug is losse, would tightening it fix it or would the head have to be replaced?

Ryan

 

What grade of gas are you using? Could be possibly getting valve knock. Good luck with a dealer taking your top end off. I had the same with mine and was told it was the aftermarket Billett Grille "rattling"...no kiddin....that is what they put on the invoice.....I'm so glad we have that warranty eh?....But like said before....could be a exhaust leak....hope that is all it is....good luck

 

If you catch it before it blows the threads out, just retighten the plug will take care of the problem, if it is a loose plug.
But check or have somebody check your plugs pronto, too many bad things have been happening

 

Are there any other symptoms i.e., rough idle, surging, ???

If it's not a plug(and I doubt that as you've had the noise for 8,000 miles--the plug should have blown before now), I'm guessing it might be a rattling EGR valve:

http://216.239.53.100/search?q=cache...hl=en&ie=UTF-8

Just a guess.......but some good info any way.

Dan

 

I'm using 93 octane. I tried different gas stations, thought I might have bad gas.

 

After doing some 'repair manual' reading, you may have 'valve tapping'. How 'old' is the oil? If you have at least 4,000 miles on it, I'd change over to a fully-synthetic oil. If the oil level is down enough, I'd try a qt. of Marvel Mystery Oil before I changed the oil. The MMO may 'free up' a sticking valve-lash adaptor.

Dan

 

I Change the oil every 2,500 miles with Ford predium synthetic 5-20W. I now Have 8,500 miles on the truck. Fresh oil change 500 miles ago. Where do i get the L repair manual?

 

Today I checked all plugs and they where all good, It took me 2hrs. It wasn't that bad. How do I test for an exhaust leak? the exhaust header bolts are tight. Whats value tapping? Can I fix it and am i lossing power with it?

Ryan

 

Where do i get the L repair manual?

I have a Haynes Ford Pickup manual. It's not Lightning-specific but it does cover 5.4 engs. and we have the same valve train.

Dan