I know absolutely nothing about engines. When I am pressing the gas I hear this ticking noise. I assume it is coming from the engine? Anyone have any ideas, or helpful hints on how to stop the noise? Thanks.

 

It might be a lifter tick. Is your oil full? It can be caused by low oil or just high milage. If it was caused by low oil, changing the oil or adding slick 50 will help temporarily, but basically the engine is damaged. If it is just a light ticking it could be the fuel injectors clicking, usually you can't hear those when you in the cab driving around though. It's hard to say without being there but i would definitely have someone look at it.

Even if it is a lifter tick you are probably ok for another 50,000 miles or so but it is a sign that the engine is dying. You might need to have it rebuilt in a few years.

-Jon

 

if it does it when you apply gas, you have an exhaust leak.

Either in the headers, Y pipe or the EGR system.

 

Matt90GT - Is this something I can check for myself with my lack of knowledge about things under the hood?

 

usually a visual inspection will not find a lot unless something is rusted out. On a cold morning, you could use some water mist to see if you can see it come out around the headers. Other than that, feel around for the leak with the motor running.

You sure that what you are hearing is not the motor pinging?

 

Im not really sure. Its a constant tick from the time I accelerate until the time I reach speed limit, then if I have to accelerate to go up a hill or something it starts again.

 

My 00 F250 with the 5.4L has the exact same symptom you describe.. It definately sounds like its exhaust related..

I had it in the shop last year and the tech claimed it was a type of flutter and its normal. (although it sounds much different than the V10 flutter). I took another truck for a drive, (although it was an automatic tranny vs my manual tranny). The same noise was there but it wasn't as pronounced as my truck..

I guess I'll take a look underneath to see if I can see any evidence of a leak. Let us know if you find what it is..

What other methods exist to check for an exhaust leak?

 

I recently had the same type of problem. I thought it was a lifter tick at first (sounds almost the same) but them decided that it was an exhaust prob since it is loudest under load. A pipe on the exhaust has loosened and the gasket was destroyed. You might roll under the truck once it has cooled off and try to move some of the exhaust components to see if any are loose.

 

I am having a ticking problem taken care of at the Ford shop right now. My engine ticked on the passenger side by the wheel-well. Turned out it was a blown head gasket. They are sending me a new head and it should be done tomorrow. Engine is a 4.6 with only 26,000 miles on it!!