I have been reading a lot of threads about engines ticking and it seems that the common answer is COPs but I have noticed that most of these threads are when the engine is under moderate to heavy load. I pulled a trailer about 2.5 hrs yesterday that weighed approx. 2500lbs. Once about 45 minutes into the trip the truck started to buck and jump and the engine light blinked a few times then went away. I pulled over, shut the truck down, check my oil (only thing I could think to do) and everything seemed fine. Towed the rest of the drive fine. Dropped that trailer off and picked up my TT. Was taking it home (back the 2.5 hrs again) and the truck did it again. This time though I noticed that it started with a hollow ticking noise just as the truck went into OD. Pulled over, shut truck off, restarted and went on my way. About 10 minutes down the road, and after another acceleration I noticed the same noise as the truck as going into OD, I let off the gas momentarily, then got back into it and it ran fine. Did this a few more times and it never did it again.
So, my question --> Is this a standard bad COP symptom or do I have a different issue?

FYI, truck is an 04 F150, 5.4L w/ approx 65K and plugs were replaced less than 5K ago.

 

wuts up!

i would start with the fuel filter and read the codes.
when the cel light is flashing the best thing to do is count the flashes there is a code in that.
the dreaded ticking sound hopefully isn't what you afraid of. after 5k on the plug change it is probably just a missfire noise.
get the codes checked and go from there

when a fuel filter is cloged it can cause strange thing to happen.
i don't think the flashing cel is part of that though

 

fuel filter was changed about 10K ago .. will the codes still be there even if the 'check engine' doesn't stay on?

 

Yes, codes will be stored untill battery is disconnected. Run down to Auto Zone to get the codes and don't buy anything. Tell us the codes and we can take it from there