Hey guys, new member here.
I went and looked at a 2002 f150 fx4 5.4 today with around 100 thousand miles. Engines started right up, trans shifted smooth and seemed like a pretty nice truck. They were asking 7500 for it but all 4 tires were bad and the body was a lil rough so i figure i can talk em down to around 6000-6500.
The only problem is the engine has a pretty noticeable tick, not a knock, just a ticking noise. It wasnt very noticeable at idle but while driving you could hear it pretty clearly in the cab. It also seemed to be leaking a little oil from the passenger side valve cover(not sure if thats related to the tick) I was just wondering what it could be and if im asking for trouble with this truck.
Thanks
Sean

 

sounds like the notorious broken exhaust manifold studs. do a search and youll find tons of info.

 

It could also be a loose spark plug getting ready to launch.

 

If it is a loose spark plug will retorquing them fix the problem, or would the threads be to messed up already?

Thanks

 

Back them out 1/2 turn, then retorque to 28 ft/lb.