I have a 2001 4.2 V6 with 7500 miles that performs great. However, after about 10 miles normal highway driving when you stop and idle in gear about 600 rpm the engine has a lifter clicking sound. You can shift into neutral (800 rpm) and the noise goes away, you can shift back into gear and the noise comes back. If you stop the engine and restart immediately it will not make this noise. Ford repaced one rocker assembly guessing at the problem, then Ford engineers discovered it was in the intake (something about a metering rod and/or reed valve regulating air flow?), so they replaced the intake. This did not fix the problem. They had loaned me another 2001 V6 and it made the same noise. I have since learned from my dealer service manager that Ford engine engineers know this is a common problem in '01 and '02 V6 engines but do not know how to fix it. They have torn down engines and determined no loss of engine life and are intertaining the idea to neglect the issue due to VERY FEW COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS! The loaner truck I drove has since been sold and the owner has not complained to the dealer. ANYONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM, AND ANY SOLUTIONS?

 

My '97 V-6 has done this forever. Dealer blew me off and gave me injector noise excuse while still under warranty. Whatever the case, truck now has 135K on odometer and still runs fine with this annoying noise. Good Luck!

 

I was sitting at a drive through window yesterday and mine was ticking away. It was very obvious. I thought of taking it back, but I do not want their hands in my engine unless it is something major. Somebody mentioned a while back about pushrod length or something.

 

Thanks guys. It seems the V6 in noisy anyway. But this is an not what you want your truck to sound like, especially around Chevy and Dodge owners. I am going to keep pushing the issue for a while to see what Ford will do. Will try to keep you posted.
Ronnie