I have a 2001 Supercrew with the 5.4L and about 9500 miles.
At about 1500 miles I started getting a very noticeable lifter type ticking noise whenever I accelerate. It is fairly loud initially but is very faint after the engine has reached crusing rpm. From the cab it sounds like it is coming from the LH side of the engine and occurs anytime I accelerate from any rpm. Occasionally, when I accelerate hard the sound becomes intermittent and will go away completely for a few seconds but then returns.

The noise doesn't seem to affect the performance or the gas mileage of the motor (16mpg).

My initial thoughts where either a valvetrain problem or possibly an exhaust leak. I have tried using higher octane fuel with no help.

Has anyone experienced a similar noise?

Let me know your thoughts and suggestions....

Greg

 

injector noise? I have a v6 and hear a kind of repetitive, fast click when I am accelerating (especially in higher gears - 3, 4 and OD) Maybe this is what we are hearing?

 

My 00' Superduty with the 5.4L and 5sp has the exact same noise at the same time..

At first you might even confuse it with spark knock, but it isn't.. Its a more airy type of sound than knocking..

My truck has done this since day1. It had not gotten any worse or any better over time, oil types, fuel types, weather etc..

My only thought is that its a type of exhaust flutter caused by how the Y-pipe is designed..

 

This sounds exactly like the noise i am hearing from my truck. I have a 2002 supercrew with 5.4 liter. I didn't think it is spark knock and the engine has not changed running wise. I can get the truck to recreate the sound when in reverse and brakes are on and trying to accelerate hard.(truck don't move). I will get a stethoscope and try and find it.