I hope to not get any scary responses on this one but I guess I have to ask. When starting up my 02 Screw 4.6L in the morning, I hear a ticking sound on the pass. side of the motor. I have opened the hood to see if I could pin point it, but I cant quite get close enough to hear exactly where it is coming from. It is a little bit louder than the tick from fuel injectors I believe, it almost sounds like an exhaust leak. The only thing is that once the motor warms up, the ticking almost goes away, it is just faint. I am hoping I am not hearing the lifters ticking, but I have heard that before too, and I don't think that is what it is. I was just wondering if anyone else has had this problem with their 4.6L? It could possibly be coming from one of the accesories, alternator or one of the pumps or something like that, maybe the idler pulley perhaps? I dunno, but the truck runs fine except for that annoying tick when cold. BTW, the tick does go with the revs of the engine. faster when revving, and slower when idling. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Hey Screwed2002,
This is just a shot in the dark but I had a ticking noise at one time that was similar to what you described. It was driving me crazy and it took a lot of listening to find the source. Keep in mind, I have the 5.4, but it turned out to be a simple problem--just a bad PCV valve rattling around. Stuck a new one on and no problems. It's just a slight chance that's your problem--but an easy way to find out is to spend the $2 for a new valve. Probably needs replacing anyway. Take care, hope you figure it out.
-Justin

 

I had the same type of ticking noise in my '01 5.4. Like Justin B, I replaced the $2 PCV valve and the sound was gone.

 

WOW, I never thought to check that, but I will do that first thing, and get back to ya'll, It sure could possibly be that. Makes a lot of sense, that it would get faster and slower with the rpm's. I'll change it and get back to yall tomorrow, hopefully that will be the issue.

 

If the PVC is not the issue, then check your exhaust manifold bolts. Odds are you will find at least one that's been busted off.... I've got one broken on each side on the back cylinders on mine....

I get the same tick when cold. After a few minutes it's quiet again.

Been too lazy and cheap to fix it or get it fixed.....

Mitch