I have a 2001 F150 XLT supercab 4.2 V6 with 7500 miles that performs great. However, after about 10 miles normal highway driving when you stop and idle in gear (automatic) about 600 rpm the engine has a lifter clicking sound. You can shift into neutral (800 rpm) and the noise goes away, you can shift back into any gear and the noise comes back. If you stop the engine and restart immediately it will not make this noise. Ford repaced one rocker assembly guessing at the problem, then Ford engineers discovered it was in the intake (something about a metering rod and/or reed valve regulating air flow?), so they replaced the intake. This did not fix the problem. They had loaned me another 2001 V6 and it made the same noise. I have since learned from my dealer service manager that Ford engine engineers know this is a common problem in '01 and '02 V6 engines but do not know how to fix it. They have torn down engines and determined no loss of engine life and are intertaining the idea to neglect the issue due to VERY FEW COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS! The loaner truck I drove has since been sold and the owner has not complained to the dealer, which I do not understand. I bet the Chevy and Dodge sales people can hear it! ANYONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM, AND ANY SOLUTIONS WITH FORD?

 

Are you sure it's not just the injectors making the noise. When I fist got my truck, I thought it had lifter noise too, but the service guy proved to me the noise was being radiated from the fuel rails (he used a stethoscope). Some other posts on this board state something similar.

My $0.02 - Good luck and let us know what you find out.

 

I also have a 2001 V6 and experience the same exact thing
as you are. I posted a question about it and someone
responded saying it is just a characteristic of the V6 engines.

 

I've got 9000 miles on my 2001 Supercab, and I've been hearing the same clicking noise for about 4 months. I actually can't hear it unless I'm idling with my windows rolled down. I haven't taken it in to Ford yet, but now I guess I will....

 

Thanks guys for your reply, a quick responce for each.

F150Forever....yes, my service dealer used a stethoscope. This is not the injectors.

ia23602....yes it appears to be a characteristic, just not enough are complaining about it and Ford engineers appear to be trying to blow it off.

GreenMonster...you hit the nail on the head. I hear it best when windows are down. It really spounds bad when at a drive through (Bank, McDonalds, etc.) or in your garage (resounds off walls), but in the open air I can also hear it. My dealer knows it is a legitimate and a mystery noise. If you take yours to a dealer tell them to call Ford Engine Engineers, they will know what he is talking about.

 

My 4.0L ranger makes that same noise but it only does it for about 20seconds when I start it up in the morning, it sounds like their is somthing cought in the belt...


I will get Ford dealer to check it out.