i for the life of me i cant figure this out. there is a tick from the engine when it is running, it is coming from the right side alot more then the left. i thing its just echoing to the left though, but when you press the pedal it gets more rapid, idk if its an exhaust, or engine problem. there is no noticable performance change but it is very annoying does anyone know what this might be so i can start there

 

First thing is check for exhaust leaks - manifold gasket, cracked manifold, etc. Next most likely issue would be a bad lifter.

 

could be a pulley

 

true i will get a stethiscope to see where its coming from

 

Could be fuel injectors.

 

could be a bomb

 

True, it is a Ford!

 

I'd say exhaust leak...

 

Before Ford fixed the ticking noise associated with leaking exhaust manifolds on pre 2005 models, the stud bolts and nuts that hold the exhaust manifolds to the engine heads rust and seize to a point where they break off and cause leaks. That's the ticking noise you will hear especially when the engine is first started and cold.

You will need to replace all the studs and bolts with new S.S. ones from Ford to fix your problem. Drivers side not so bad but passenger side can be a bitch to replace.

 

Keith, does this also apply to the V-6?

 

V6 and V8 engines. I just did mine this weekend on my 5.4L and we did my buddies 03 V6 two weeks ago and both of our trucks had ticking noises that have now disappeared.

 

Just for the heck of it, check your plugs. I had one that was actually loose on my old 70 302. It was threaded in, but only hand tight.