2001 F150 5.4 4X4
Engine has a slight ticking sound....I'm not very mechanically inclined.
Lifter ticking? I have 124k miles. When should the timing chain be replaced?
I had the plugs & wires changed at 112k.

If I really punch it at about 5k rpm it start's pinging like it's really straining.
Otherwise it runs fine, just the ticking is scaring me. I don't want to go spend a million dollars at a mechanic if they tell me it's something it's not.

I bought the truck 1 year old w/ 46k...I knew the person I bought it from, he travels 3 states and buy's a new truck every year...car allowance....
I have used nothing but Mobil one synthetic since I've owned it.

Any isight would be greatly appreciated.

 

the timing chain is supposed to outlast the engine. thinks do happen occasionaly but i wouldnt worry about that just yet.

what grade fuel do you use? how long has this been going on?

try either a different gas station (try to get to one of the better brands) or go to a higher grade.