I've checked around on the forums for Engine Ticking and found a few threads but nothing too close to what I'm experiencing (maybe it is, I'm just interpreting it differently). I've had an engine tick for the past few months when idling and lately it seems to have gotten worse. I have an '05 F-150 5.4L, Cold Air Intake, and Magnaflow Exhaust. Today, in a drive thru the ticking was so loud I put the truck in Neutral, and no ticking. Any ideas what the probable cause may be? I've actually had people ask me if my truck was running on all cyclinders. Thanks for your help.

 

norcatalyst126:

My 04 5.4L is in the shop for the very same thing. Matter of fact, this is the 4th time in for rough idle and excessive ticking, especially in a drive-thru. Today I was on the phone with Dearborn Michigan Customer service who then called my local dealer's customer service manager. To make a long story short, both the service manager and Ford's Customer Service Rep said these problems are within the normal operating parameters set by ford even though it sounds like crap. The local service manager and Ford's rep both said that it sucks and that I have to live with it. Until the ford engineers decide enough people complain then they won't do any thing about it. I tried sending ford an email but so far no site has been found to vent my frustrations. My truck is still in the shop. I put it in this morning 3/7/06 at 8:30 am and got the information from both ford service reps around 3:30 this afternoon. I don't know where to go or who to talk to. If anyone has any ideas please let me know. Good luck with your problem.

 

Well, I just dropped my truck off at the dealer tonight, so I'll let you know what they say tomorrow. Before I took it in though I did change out the CAI to the stock air box and still ticking, actually it seemed worse....Oddly enough....Another thing I noticed tonight while listening to the ticking, if I rev up to about 3000 RPM while in Neutral, and just let off, when the truck calms down to idle it makes a little burp.....Anyone know if thats "normal"???

 

My trucks been ticking for the last 90,000 miles.. 145k on it so far. it'll keep on ticking for another 145k before it dies I'm sure.

 

Dealer says ticking is normal....oh....ok.....I don't believe it, but as long as i can get it written i'm ok with that....

 

Justin,
It's amazing. Just heard from the service rep. this afternoon. Ford engineers have come out with a fix for the excessive ticking. Same thing I was told in Feb. "05 - Cam phaser adjustment. Supposedly it just was released by ford engineers about 3 weeks ago. Takes about 3 days to repair. Only takes 2 days to replace the whole engine according to service dept. The rough idle is caused by low rpms. If ford idles it up it does not meet emmissio standards. I'd rather have a smooth idle. Hope this helps. Will get back next week when I get my truck back.
Tony

 

My truck had a similiar problem but mine has 120k miles. Obviously way more than yours but...after everybody swearing it was an internal engine problem (lifter, timing chain, rod, etc) it turned out to be a broken exhaust manifold stud. Apparently this is a common problem on 5.4's with high miles. Check out my thread and see the suggestions (2000 5.4 with knock). The symptoms you describe sound exactly like mine. https://www.f150online.com/forums/im...s/thumbsup.gif

 

Here's what Ford said:

"Found TSB# 06-4-7 that relates to this concern. TSB states 5.4L 3V Engines do make a lot of engine noise that is normal operation for engines with VCT."

 

Here's what Ford said:

"Found TSB# 06-4-7 that relates to this concern. TSB states 5.4L 3V Engines do make a lot of engine noise that is normal operation for engines with VCT."

 

Justin:
Where did you find the TBS#?

 

I didn't....That's what Ford put on my invoice when I picked up the truck....However, at work we used to have a program called Alldata that detailed all that info. for any and all cars and trucks....it also told you what the dealer charges for parts, labor hours, and how to fix most vehicles...It was a pretty cool program, expensive, but cool....

 

Justin:
Just a little more info. I found out from Ford Customer Service in Michigan that my dealership also applied the same TSB# 06-04-7. Using this TSB Ford decided (after I complained so much) that they would fix the engine. My truck is still in the shop as of this morning. Today makes a week in the shop. It was supposed to be ready Monday afternoon. I really don't mind as long as they correct the problem.

 

Justin:
I can't believe it. Ford finally fixed the ticking, knocking, tapping, etc. After four times in the shop for the same reason Ford repaired my engine. TSB# 06-4-7 released in late February of 06 tells the techs how to diagnose the problem and how to repair it. They used a cam phaser kit. I don't know what it is but my engine no longer sounds like a diesel. It took them almost 3 days to repair it.

 

Anyone have the specifics on TSB# 06-4-7? I wonder if it would solve my rough idle.

Thanks!
Dave

 

Deeve:
Rough idle, as explained to me, is a low idle. My truck idles just slightly better than before the cam phaser kit installation. It sounds a whole lot better. When my ac is on the truck idles fine. How do you adjust the idle?