I have an engine tick at various RPM’s and various speeds when the truck is in drive. It does not tick at all when in neutral. It’s most noticeable getting up to 55 mph from a stop (like the highway on ramp). I don’t notice it while driving at very low speeds (like in a parking garage). It sounds metallic, it does not sound like a clack/ clatter, it’s a tick. Truck is a ’00 4.6L.

I just had a complete transmission and transfer case rebuild because I was experiencing major engine shudder. After the rebuild, I still had some minor shudder, so the same shop replaced the spark plugs and coil pack a week later. The shudder is now completely gone.

But I now have this engine ticking noise which I didn’t have/ notice before any of the above work was performed. I will obviously call the shop, but wanted to have some understanding of what it might be first. (this will be the third time returning my truck to this shop and tired of dealing with them and being without a truck) The temperature has been 0 – 40 degrees F during all of this.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

 

Could just be an exhaust leak.

 

I would make sure the plugs are all tight, just to be safe.

 

I agree with glc. Sounds like an exhaust leak.

 

If an exhaust leak was making the ticking sound, does it make sense that it only ticks while in drive and not in neutral?

As far as tightening the spark plugs, my issue wouldn't have anything to do with the “blowing out spark plug” issue I've read on this forum would it?

Thanks for your feedback.

 

If it is an exhaust leak, the tick would be louder in drive and would get even louder the harder you pressed the go pedal.

 

That's EXACTLY what it might be. Wouldn't hurt to break out the torque wrench and check them for 28 ft/lb.

 

I agree. That's the warning sign.

 

You may also want to check the type of plugs they put in. Every 4.6 I've ever had, has had terrible issues with detonation if the right plugs are not put in. You can also run a tank of 93 octane...if that stops the ticking, they gave you crap plugs that are not burning the fuel.

 

That's valid if this "ticking" is spark knock.

 

I went to my local, trusted shop this morning. I took the owner for a very brief test drive. The engine make the ticking sound, but of course wasn’t that loud while he was in the truck. His initial reaction was that it wasn’t anything the transmission shop did. He said I sounded more like a manifold/ exhaust leak or possibly a broken header bolt. He wouldn’t know for sure until I made an appointment to get the truck on the lift.

I also called the transmission shop who also did my spark plugs and coil pack. (shop above doesn’t do transmissions) He said he knows about the F150 engine issues and torqued the plugs properly and used OEM plugs. He’s said he was fairly positive the ticking is not a result of anything he did, but is happy to look at my truck, however, I’d have to make an appointment to leave it there. (I probably won’t go back there unless it’s determined he messed something up on my truck)