I want to thank everyone in advance for your help.

As you can all see I am fairly new to the forum. I have done alot of reading on my problem, but cannot seem to pinpoint the issue.

I have a 97 F150 5.4L 4x4, 145,000 miles. When first started, it has a distinct ticking sound. Even after warmup (5-10 minutes), the sound is still there. After about 3-5 minutes of driving (after 5-10 min warmup) the sound seems to decrease.

I also notice the sound very distinctly when next to a wall (ie. drive-thru, etc). The truck tends to sound a bit like a diesel. From what it seems is that the noise may only "go away" from road noise.

After reading here, it may be an exhaust leak. The PCV valve has been checked and has vacuum.

I cannot find anything that specifically describes my problem.

P.S. I just replaced the plugs. What a pain in the a$$!!

Please let me know if anyone can help!!!

 

EGR tube may be cracked..you may have a exhaust manifold leak....take a mechanics stethoscope and try to pin point it...what..no stethoscope?...a 3 ft piece of 5/8th heater hose with one end held to the ear and the other pointed to where you want to listen will work just fine instead

 

Mine has been making a similar sound lately. Not very loud; just a low volume ticking. It would make sense that the noise is less audible after the engine has warmed up as the crack may be forced closed by any expansion in the metal.

 

Daywen:

Did you notice the noise after the plug replacement and if so, did you replace the plugs with Motorcraft specified brand? How about the oil filter; motorcraft brand?

It may sound dumb but I've heard of differing problems on this forum with aftermarket brand replacements.

Jeff

 

The problems have been the same, before and after replacement of parts. I will check out the exhaust leak idea.

The parts replaced were not motorcraft, and didnt make any difference on noises, just better performance.

After listening to the truck closely today, from the outside of the vehicle it seems the noise if coming from the lower passenger side of the vehicle after warmup. The engine compartment doesnt seem to have much noise.

Thanks for everyones help... Any other ideas?!

 

Have you checked the torque converter?

I have encountered loose ones that will cause a clatter.

 

Have you owned this truck long? My 2003 5.4 F150 4x4 has made this same noise since day one. I hear it all the time when at a drive through, Sounds like a 7.3 IDI diesel. I don’t mind the noise and will just leave it be as long as it’s not a problem. I now have 11,000 with the noise. Certainly does not seem to affect mileage or performance.

 

I have only owned the truck a few months. It seems to run good and gets decent gas mileage (for a 5.4). I just want to make sure the noise is not going to be come a problem.

Thanks for your help.

 

daywen
If you just changed the plugs make sure you torque them to exact factory specifications, or you may end up with one of the passenger side plugs on the ground. However I don’t think your recent plug change would have any affect on the noise. Allot of people here have reported the same kind of noise.