Ok so my engine started ticking yesterday. I have an 01 5.4. It only has about 20,000 on the engine. This is why I am freaking out- I always always always run mobil 1 5-20 and NAPA GOLD filter. But the last oil change I got my oil at walmart and decided to just get a FRAM while I was there............. long sigh.......... after searching engine ticks guess what kept popping up- FRAM! I have about 2700 miles on this oil change and it just started happening... What damage may be done? And yes first thing monday i am changing the oil... PLease let the advice flow.. ha ha

 

I doubt that a one time Fram filter will cause permanent engine damage. Does the noise go away after a few seconds or does it stay constant? The Fram filters have a reputation for theoreticly allowing oil drain back. I believe the most common complaint is that you will get a tick or slight knock upon startup until the oil refills the filter and pressure rises. There are numerous causes for ticks/taps/knocks and rattles besides the filter. If the noise is lasting long enough to allow you to get under the hood and listen then by all means do so. It would be a great help for all here if we could get an idea where the source might be. Fuel injectors are noisy,exhaust leaks as well, so give us a location. Thanks, Take care.

 

Thanks for the reply.. The noise seems to be coming from the passenger side. It stays constant at idle and doesnt increase in volume with more gas. If you stick your ear as close as possible to the exhaust-headers in my case, it is louder- as if its echoing through the exhaust.. if that makes sense

 

Check all your spark plugs for tightness!

If you buy your oil and filter at Walmart, get a MOTORCRAFT.

 

The plugs should be ok- they were changed about 5,000 miles ago..

 

You still need to CHECK them for tightness! These engines only have 4 threads in the heads and the factory torque spec is too light, and they have a VERY NASTY tendency to loosen and blow out. Ticking is the first stage of blowout.

Torque to 28 ft/lb, and do NOT use antiseize.

 

I'll do that.. whoever designed the 4 thread head should be punched dead in the face! ha ha

 

It does seem like the sound is coming much lower then the plugs though..

 

You're not gonna be stupid and ignore the advice to CHECK the plugs are you? GLC gave you good advice, TAKE IT, and torque to 28 lbs, not what the factory says. May not be the plug (s), but they still need to be checked. Are ALL your header bolts still there and tight? a manifold (exhaust) LEAK can sometimes sound like a tick, especially since you said it was a lot lower than the plugs.

 

Always use MOTORCRAFT MOTORCRAFT MOTORCRAFT !!!! Pull That gay Fram off and put sum semi synthetic MOTORCRAFT oil and filter and it will probably go away...

 

Nothing wrong with that Mobil 1 you are using - it's the correct grade. It's really no better than Motorcraft semi-synthetic unless it's the EP.

 

Don't get me wrong I will check the plugs- I did 2 last night but it got too late to finish.. it seems that they were tightened to exactly 15 lbs before I retightened them. Already changed the oil and filter as well- no change in tick. I've noticed that when I first start it you can't hear the tick- it's after it warms up. This kind of baffles me because both with exhaust leaks and this fram scare it is worst at start up and gets better after it runs. I will try to post a video of the noise... Thanks for all the help!

 

Here is a video I took- you know how vids are. Its louder in person. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3zQliyezyw

 

Here is another one-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2kHEbh35EI

 

Water pump possibly. My 4.6 did the same thing, water pump. Just a tick/knocking sound.