My 2005 F-250 5.4 about 17000 miles, has developed a tapping or clicking noise. It almost sounds like an exhaust leak, but only occurs when the engine is warm. Generally does not make the noise around town unless you get on it, but on the highway or when pulling a load it will start making the noise especially while going up a hill. It is at the Ford House right now, but they have not called me since yesturday morning for noise clarification. Getting worried now.
Any ideas as to what this might be?
Thanks.

 

Man, don't sweat it. If it runs good, just turn up the radio. Sounds like sparknock. Not a big deal, and is usually preventable by increasing octane slightly. If the Ford house gives ya some bad news, don't worry about it. Drive it. If it breaks, just fix it. $2,500 for an engine is WAY cheaper than a new truck.

 

New engine won't be out of my pocket, that sucker has a 60,000 mile extended warranty. I normally run 87 octane in it at home, but have been running 88 in it while in Wyoming. It was here that the noise began, I guess it could be the difference in fuel quality. If it is spark knock shouldn't the knock sensor stop it? It runs ok, not any worse that normal. Needs some assistance from Mr. Troyer.

 

My 05 and father in laws 06 both have really loud ticking injectors, could that be it?

 

I thought about ticking injectors, but why would it wait 16,000 miles to show up, only when the engine is warm and under a load, and only from the drivers side? Besides it is way too loud for and injector ticking I've ever heard.

 

Hmmmm...It seems strange that the ticking would start after going up an octane point from 87 ro 88. How long has this been going on? Do you think you may have gotten some low quality gas or bad gas?

 

Has been happening for about 1000 miles now with fuel purchased at four different stations. So, yeah, it is rather strange. Like I said, sounds like an exhaust tick, but does not occur when cold and disappear when warm. Quite the opposite, does not occur cold and arrives when hot. Baffles me.
Guess I'll let you know what the dealer says.

 

I have a 06' and it has been making a ticking sound when it is warm. I took it into my ford dealer and they had a look at it and they came to the conclusion that the catalytic covertor is leaking or something. I actually get it replaced tomorrow and i am hoping that the problem is fixed. I am kinda regretting trading in my 03' F150 that baby had no problems. My 06' is 2months old and its been in twice already!

 

Well the Ford house couldn't make the sound occur. Damn thing will make it for me, but not the people who might be able to diagnose and fix it. Guess I'll drive the **** out of it untill it falls apart or will make noise for them. Frustrating.
They did day it should not fall apart.

I don't think it is the converter as the noise seems to be coming from the driver's side manifold/ head area.

 

When i brought my truck in it wasn't making any sort of noise, so i suggested to the dealer i go drive it for 30minutes to get the engine warm. Sure enough i come back with the truck 30min later and it was ticking away. The shop foreman heard the sound and thought it could be either the cam phasers or the convertor. The sound to me sounded like it was coming from the passenger side of the engine compartment. When they got it up on the hoist they decided it was the convertor. I guess we will see when i get it back today.

 

That is the odd thing about mine, if I go drive it enough to make the noise it will stop while in town on the way to the dealers. At least that is what it has been doing prior to my taking it to the dealer. Cam phasers huh? Sounds like that could be a problem I might not want to have on my way back to Texas in a few weeks. Lots of long lonely stretches between here and there. Guess I’ll see if I can make it sound off for them next chance I get. Thanks for the info.

 

Do a search on "cam phasers" and read about the problems others have had. See if it sounds like how yours is doing.

 

My truck is at the dealer today for a rattling or ticking sound that occurs between 800-1200 RPM's. They told me today that it is coming from the timing belt and that they are installing some kind of kit.

 

Thanks for the info blue. I don't think the cam phaser is the problem as it does not go away, noise goes all the way to shift at WOT and should stop about 3000 RPM according to this quote from Quintin.

csk-I don't believe the timing chain is the issue as it generally can not be heard until engine is at full operating temp, at speed (over about 1800 RPM) and uder a load such as pulling or going up a hill. Hope you rissue is resolved though, thanks.