I have an 01 w/ 5.4. it has 42lb injectors and headers. It ticks when i'm cruising along at highway speeds loud enough to worry me.. not like lifter loud but annoying and since i worry constantly i don't like it. Does anyone else have a similar setup? it's actually a lightning engine.. Thanks..

 

maybe a exhaust leak?? mine ticks but its because the guy half arsed my cats when he put them on and the welds wore through or something

 

what year of lightning motor?


when is the last time you changed plugs? or checked them for proper torque?
does it do it at idle?
are the headers coated? (long tubes or shorties) (stainless or mild steel)
when is teh lasttime you checked for an exhaust leak?


majority of times it's either a cam phaser or a plug is about to pop; with that being said I am not trying to scare you but different people describe noises diffrently

 

I'm not sure on the year but it was rebuilt less then a year ago and i already put new plugs in it- motorcraft- not very noticable at idle- if i pop the hood I can faintly hear it. the headers are non coated long tube pace setters.. i'm havin it checked for exhaust leak on wednesday..

 

I would check all your spark plugs...

 

How loud is said tick?

 

has anyone thought u-joints, mine need replacing and are making a ticking noise, it increases as speed increases.

 

well it's hard to describe loudness but if i have the radio on average volume i can't hear it. not anywhere near like a lifter or rod knock. it is only when i accelerate or am going up a hill that I really notice it. thanks for all the input too it really sounds like an exhaust leak but it is the same loudness when cold and when warmed up.. and the mechanic couldn't find any exhaust leaks.. it really seems to be related to fuel delivery and or valve type stuff...

 

Try taking the belt off and run it for a little bit at idle. If its possible to do?