For about a month I have been getting this occasional tick sound. Seems to happen only under load. It is only one tick then another maybe in 15 seconds. Could this be the beginning of the plug issue? ('98 4.6)

 

check those plugs right away. could also be small exhaust manifold leak.

 

I called Ford but they can't get it in until Friday. They also said they did not think it was a plug. This occasional tick has been going on for about 1,800 miles and they said when a plug blows it usually happens right away after you hear it.

So it take it I should check the plugs myself, to be sure, but it sounds like it's going to be serious PITA to get to them.

 

they can slowly work there way loose. i have a buddy with a 02 mustang .it ticked for like 2 months. we thought it was just a loud injector. one day PING rear passenger plug shoots right out.

 

Damn. Was it like only a tick every 20 seconds or so?

 

we only could really hear it when it was idling. driving around exhaust and noise drowned it out. i know they are a pain to get to check but.... i wouldnt take any chances.

 

my question is if your engine will tick randomly when at idle for a few secs then go away? mine will tick randomly for about 30-40 secs at a time and go away on its own, return once or twice. also ticks rather loudly at off idle with a load.

from what i've seen from the 5.4 im rebuilding to replace my 4.6, the cam journals act like cheap bearings, if lubrication is compromised and it usually is at initial start up i think its ruining the cam journals which is causing ticking noises. the only thing is im not sure what lead to what but the rod bearings and crank journals were wearing on eachother as well. excessively for 82k. the guy i bought it from said it ticked. when i seen the damage done i was thinkin "dude thats more like a knock not a tick"

adding pic

 

wow! those things are toasted.

 

And people wonder why we say to use the recommended weight oil that meets specs.........

 

yeah that was just 2 of the like 4 or 6? not to mention the cam journals.