Hi Guys, new to the forum. I have a 2001 F150 Supercrew with the 4.6L. with 187,xxx miles on it. It started making a pecking sound about a 2 weeks ago that was barely noticeable idling but it gets louder as you load the engine or accelerate. It is on the drivers side of the engine. Any ideas on what to look for? Many thanks in advance.

 

It's best if you can narrow it down, like under the cam cover, behind the front cover, around the exhaust manifold,etc. I would buy a mechanics stethescope and probe around while the noise is present, even remove the serp belt and determine if the noise is gone with the belt off. Could be an exhaust leak, a collapsed lash adjuster, chain tensioner, or a bad bearing in one of your front engine accessories such as a belt tensioner, belt idler pulley, A/C, P/S. etc. Find the location and the rest is pretty easy.

 

It sounds like an exhaust leak but I can not find any evidence of that. It is definitely in the head area.

 

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It could be a loose spark plug! With it idling, feel the top of each COP and see if you can feel any vibration.

 

Thanks for the replies, will checking out the suggestions tomorrow.

 

Have ruled our loose plug and exhaust leak. Have not pulled the valve cover as yet. If it is the lash adjuster will it hurt to drive the vehicle?

 

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