I have a 1999 f150 4x4 with the 5.4 engine and it is making a constant clicking noise only when the engine is hot or warmed up. It has 63000 miles on it and stated doing it around 50000 or so. The noise goes away at 1500 rpm and is toned down when in drive. This is NOT piston slap. I have gone through that already. I believe it has something to do with the timing chain. My question is does anybody else have this noise? Is any damage being done? I understand noise of this type is ok. How many miles can I expect from the motor? I am using the 5w-20 oil.

 

lifters?

 

Try running the engine a couple of minutes with the drive belt off at idle to see if the noise goes away. Hey, and I wouldn't spend much time looking for those lifters