Hello all, this is my first time posting on this site and I have a few questions. I already used the search mechanism, but I really didn't see anything that I thought could be the problem. Anyway I have a 2002 Supercrew F-150, and I'm noticing a ticking noise when I accelerate. And it seems to be a slight problem with performance sometimes. I was just wondering if you guys would know or have heard of similiar problems with the 5.4 ltr engine. The truck has about 58k on it, but it has been making this noise for the last 20k of that. I have had the gas treatment service done, and it's still making the noise. Any comments/suggestions/recommendations as to what this could be will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

Check a couple of things.

1. Spark plugs, make sure they are tight and not starting to back out. These motors are VERY finicky when it comes to plug tension and you MUST follow the Ford recommendations for tightening or you can ruin the threads in the aluminum head. When one starts to back out it will make a distinct ticking noise, and if left untreated can result in heavy damage (search for "spark plug blow out") repairs can range from $200 (timecert kit doing it on your own) to $2000 having the head replaced/repaired.

2. Exhaust leak, either on the manifold to head junction or the collector to headpipe connection, or a cracked exhaust manifold.

These are the more common ticks, Generally, the ticks will be louder under load (accelleration/towing) and will go up and down in frequency with engine RPM

Give a little more information on when it happens (startup, cold motor, warmed up motor, etc) and we'll help you pinpoint it.

Josh

 

^^^ hey josh just so you know, this site doesnt allow cross linking of pictures. Other then things like photobucket... So your sig isnt showing up. All i see is the red X of death.

And original poster, welcome, and check your plugs and look for exaust leaks, tale tale signs of exaust leaks are black streaks front to back on the pipes.
-Patrick

 

Thanks for the responses. In referrence to when the ticking occurs; it seems to go on all the time. But it is more distinctive when I am accelerating. Would this bit of information be more help, in pinpointing what it is? Thanks again .

 

My Sig pic is hosted on my web server and it was down for maintenance, it works fine now!


Josh

 

I see, that'll work

 

I had the same problem in my 04. The dealer found that is was the cam shaft tension idler pully in the front of the engine. I guess that it quite expensive because it is iside the engine. I don't know how much because it was covered by warrenty.

 

just had the dealer install the Cam Sync kit for "the Tick" in my 5.4. I didnt have any tick except when idling. Quite frankly, it still has the tick and is only slightly quieter. I'd have it looked at by an experienced tech and he may be able to pin point the noise if its an exhaust leak. Noise's can come from so many places its a broad spectrum of possible causes. Carbon deposits can come from exhaust leaks and leave behind the black the other fellow was telling you about. Good advice. Loose plugs are a big cause in this situation according to Ford. or even a missing compression gasket on a plug. Good luck, T