Ok I'm really upset right now with the dealer. My 2005 F150 crw 4x4 5.4 recently started making a ticking noise about a month ago and i brought it in to the dealer to have them check it out. I'm not an auto mech so i just told them to look it over. I suggested maybe it was the cam phasers. They proceeded to change both phasers and felt it was better so I picked up the truck and right away no improvement. brought the truck back and they had it for over a week. Replaced the timing chain tensioners and changed the oil again. I picked the thing up today and what do ya know. NO IMPROVEMENT!! I don't know why they couldn't figure it out but I am convinced after reading some posts here on this 'Great Website' that it is an exhaust manifold leaking??? I have Banks exhaust on the truck with no leaks that I could find. Sorry to write a novel but I need some insight and advice. Thanks everyone!

 

Dealer should have a TSB for your fuel injectors if you are within the mileage and vehicle build date falls in the correct parameters. There were some defective injectors for your model year 5.4. Injectors can make a ticking noise and still be normal but just a heads up on something to ask your dealer.

 

The injectors always tick on these trucks, but that doesn't sound like your problem. Check my link in my sig, 07M08.

So is there an exhaust manifold leak or not? Your OP is indecisive. That sounds like your problem.

 

I picked up the truck at the end of the day so I couldn't bring it back and explain to them that they haven't fixed again. they replaced both cam phasers, chain tensioners and the oil twice. It makes the ticking noise at all times no matter if its hot or cold and its especially noticeable driving next to buildings in town. It may be injectors or an exhaust leak im guessing. More or less I spent 1600 dollars on these repairs which obviously did not need to be done. So much for small town repair dealers.

 

I'd wager to say what they replaced needed replacing anyway, don't beat yourself down. But, if you're after chasing down an annoying noise just because it's annoying, they will bilk you for it. Dealers will gladly do that if you're willing to pay.

Just live with the noise if that's all it is.

 

If I was driving a 1980 truck I would care less about the noise but it makes the truck sound like a beater. It just started like a month ago and I've heard cam phaser noise online and its nothing like that. I can't get over the fact that I spent 1600 bucks for no satisfaction. Sure I have some new parts now but they weren't needed yet if ever. I'm sure there are some 5.4s out there that never need new phasers. "If it ain't broke - Don't fix it! I should have never brought the truck in and went to the bahamas for a week instead! By the way my truck has 71000 miles. I've ran mobil 1 5w 20 since new with expensive Purolator filters, changed every 4000mi.

 

Ok Problem fixed!! All it was was a little exhaust leak on the passenger side manifold. What a headache for something so simple. Ugh! Well at least my truck should be problem free for a while.

 

Nice!!!

 

I think I have the same problem. What was the fix and how much did it cost you?

 

I think I have the same problem on mine. Been living with it for a while now. Any way to confirm this is issue without bringing it to a mechanic?

Thanks!

 

Also interested in your solution and how it's holding up

 

the dead rise!!! but i'd like to know how things are holding up!

 

21574 4.6L 3V/ 5.4L 3V ENGINE TICK/RATTLE FROM VCT 800-1200 RPM - DO NOT ATTEMPT SERVICE
2009-2010 F-150 WITH 4.6L 3V, 2005-2010 F150 WITH 5.4L 3V,2005-2010 MUSTANG WITH 4,6L 3V, 2005-2010 F250, F350 WITH 5.4L3V, 2006-2010 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEER WITH 4.6L 3V ENGINE, 2007-2010 SPORT TRAC WITH 4.6L 3V ENGINE, AND 2005-2011 EXPEDITIONS AND NAVIGATORS WITH 5.4L 3V ENGINES. SOME CUSTOMERS MAY BE CONCERNED WITH TICK/RATTLE NOISES FROM THE VARIABLE CAM TIMING (VCT) ON LIGHT TIP-IN ACCEL BETWEEN 800-1200 RPM. THIS CONDITION MAY BE MOST NOTICEABLE OPERATING VEHICLE IN CONFINED AREAS SUCH AS A DRIVE-THRU. THE NOISE IS ELIMINATED WHEN VCT SOLENOIDS ARE UNPLUGGED. THIS CONDITION SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE ENGINE. DO NOT ATTEMPT ENGINE REPAIRS TO CHANGE THIS NORMAL CONDITION. THIS CONDITION DOES NOT AFFECT PERFORMANCE OR DURABILITY OF THE ENGINE.

just found this

 

Can you tell me where the VCT solenoid plugs are? I'd like to to try unplugging mine to see if thats the cause.

 

The VCT solenoids are on the top front of the valve covers. They stick out an inch or so and have electrical connectors on them. The one on the drivers side may be obstructed by the power steering resouvior and the intake. I replaced my solenoids with the latest design and have eliminated the rattle completely. I still have some intermittent ticking/knocking noises so I'm taking it to the muffler shop tomorrow. Hopingits the manifold and not the phasers.