I have a 2002 f150 4.6L v8 with 143k. It has recently started to burn some oil and once in a while it just smells. I crawled under to try and find the leak. The leak seams to be around the headers on the right side and the oil is dripping onto the starter. While I was looking at the area of the leak I noticed a threaded hole that was very clean and looked like a bolt just came out of it. The hole is on the back right of the block and directly behind the header. It looked to be about a half inch but not possitive. What is this mystery bolt? Thank you!

The engine recently started ticking and it is comming from that same area. any connection?

 

Youll need to try and determine whether it is coming from the valve/cam covers or the heads. It's possible you have a head gasket leaking. The bolt could be anything, not sure exactly where you are talking about. Picture maybe?

 

I don't know how to post picks on this but I put some up on my profile. I think if you click on my profile you should be able to see them.
Its hard to see exactly where the oil leak is comming from but its looking more like the head.....is there any solutions to fixing is aside from taking the head off?
Thanks for all your help. Im very greatfull!

 

I was just looking back at my swap pics. Found a pic of that side of my motor (99 5.4L) and those threaded holes are not used. Man.... your motor is hurtin
Take a look and feel around your valve cover for any leaks. (hopefully nothing bites your hand off) It looks to me like the valve cover is leaking... something? lol, Not sure but in the second pic, you can see it leaking in the back corner but it doesnt look like fresh oil. Looks more like a leak from long ago that has corroded. How is your exhaust manifold still hanging on there? Looks like it's about rotted through. So yeah, check with a flash light and a mechanics mirror where the heads mate to the block, on the back side. Bet that's where you find the fresh oil. Also try to see what the back of the valve covers look like. Shouldnt take long with a little light and mirror on a stick. Just watch your eyes for any falling debris. Should be able to reach it through the fender well. If it is a head gasket which is most likely is... the proper fix is to pull both the heads and replace the gaskets. Inspect any timing components (tensioner and guides) while you have it open.

 

its the head gasket most likely. Been there. Common failure.