I have a 2001 F150 Supercrew with the 5.4L.

The engine has developed a ticking sound on the passenger side of the motor. I'm not sure what it is, but it's there all the time.........loudest when hard on the gas.

I would like some ideas as to what it could be...........spark plug popped? manifold leak?

Thanks,

Steve

 

common lifter noise.. what oil are u using?

 

Mine does the same stupid crap. I put thinner oil in it, (suggested on this site) and it didn't change a thing. But it does quit doing it, the closer I get to an oil change.....

 

Check your spark plugs, thats what mine sounded like before the plug blew out. Just make sure they're tight. Pass side is the common side to blow out. If thats what it is, you're hearing the compression blow by the threads on the plug. That doesn't usually go away after the motor is warm though, but thats a good reason to check them.

 

Where the hell are the plugs?

LOL

I looked all over the engine trying to find the cause of the ticking, and I even looked for the plugs..........but I couldn't find them.

That was what I thought it might be since I had read about that on here.

Thanks,

Steve

 

They are underneath coil packs. They are not fun to get to. The motor is built around them. The coil packs are black round shaped pods that are bolted down between the injectors.

 

I sounds like like a broke exhaust manifold stud to me (very common). Look at the manifolds through the wheel openings. Usually the reamost stud breaks off allowing a small leak which seals up as the manifold gets hot. Mines been that way on both sides for 50,000 miles. It does not create any issues other that a light ticking until things get hot. I won't be fixing mine unless the engine needs to come out.

 

I looked at the manifolds thru the wheel openings and didn't see anything out of place or broken.

If a spark plug has popped out, will I feel air or anything coming out?

I would like to know what is causing the noise, and fix it if possible...........but if it's nothing to worry about I'll just keep driving it.

Steve

 

Get a piece of garden hose and cut it to a lenght of about 4-5 feet. Stick one end of it into your ear, and probe around the engine with the other end, until you locate the tick. If it's anything such as a spark plug, injector, pcv valve, or even lash adjuster, you'll be able to pin it down with the hose.

Disclaimer: The above statements are purely opinion and do not represent the feelings of the F150online consensus. All opinions are intended to serve as food for thought for MaineSuperCrew and the various other members assisting MaineSuperCrew in his quest for a(n) ticking noise. Any dissenting opinions should be posted after the above opinion, and no flaring temperments, or derogatory stamentents will be needed. Data and information is provided for informational purposes only, and chester8420 shall not be liable for any errors in the content, or for any actions taken or consequences resulting from reliance thereon.
(this includes sticking the hose in the fan, having the hose violently snatched out of your hand, while quickly modifying your radiator, belt, and fan shroud)

 

LOL............I like the disclaimer.

Steve

 

That is a great idea with the hose. I have a similar problem, mine is when I step on the gas, and figured I would need to get a stethescope. Thanks.

 

I really am starting to think it's the manifold or spark plug.

I looked again at the manifold for broken studs or anything.............but I didn't find anything.

The spark plugs are a bitch to get to.......but the truck still has good power, and if a plug was popped I would think it would run rough.

Steve

 

My engine started making an awful ticking/tinging noise when I would give it alot of gas.. so now.. I run premium unleaded in it, and have not heard it since... try prem gas or maybe octane boost... hey, it's worth a try...

 

the same problem here, 50k miles v8 5.4....have new sparks plugs, checked carefully by dealr many times and no codes,,,no explanation except the word normal!, this noise has been there for along time in the right side of the engine!. I will never consider this normal, they say 2006 have the same problem??!!
is it related to the fuel type, fuel related, may be? I use octane 91

hope someone will explain this to us.

Big FORD problem?

 

found this ..can someone help explain this??!!

Ford/Ford Truck

Engine ticking noise. Owners of 2001-04 Ford cars and light trucks with a Romeo-built, two-valve 4.6L V8 may come into your shop complaining of an irritating ticking sound from the engine while it idles. According to Ford, the noise affects only engines built before 9/17/03, usually emanates from the valve guide area at the rear of the cylinder head(s) and is more pronounced at the front wheel wells rather than under the hood. Carbon buildup in the rear exhaust guides is the ultimate villain. New-design complete cylinder head and cam assemblies (Part No. 4L3Z-6049-AA, right; 4L3Z-6049-BA, left) are now available to solve the problem.

Of course, these new parts don't come cheap, so Ford suggests a little detective work before proceeding. Start by using a stethoscope to verify that the noise is indeed coming from the rear of the cylinder head(s), near the exhaust ports. If it's not, seek other remedies; this information doesn't apply. Next, get underneath the vehicle and make sure the noise is most prominent in the exhaust, or in the area of the catalytic converter. If it is, start unplugging the injectors one at a time. If the noise diminishes or goes away, you'll have to look elsewhere for a remedy. If it doesn't, remove the valve cover on the affected cylinder head(s) for a more in-depth look.