Ford 5.4L engine "tick"

[thump55]

I test drove a used (2000, 150K) F150 that had a slight "tick" to it. Owner said this is a common thing in the 5.4L engines.

I had the 4.6L and am aware of the sparkplug thread issues (happened twice on my '97), but it never had a tick. This sounds more like a lifter, or possibly even a slight exhaust noise, although it is possible it is a loose plug. It's not very loud, but it is noticeable.

Any other Ford owners have this issue? Is it something to be worried about? (I did not buy the truck).

[DJL66]

My guess would be the exhaust manifold bolts. Had to replace both sides on my 97 with 4.6 as it was making the same "tick" sound. Fairly costly if the bolts are actually broken off as it would take btwn 3-4 hrs labour each side.

[northernbite]

Warped exhaust manifold, they don't have gaskets. Mine warped and I had it fixed. After the spark plus, manifold and rear brakes (2005) I changed brands. At that time ford was trying to get horse power with high RPMS.

Paul

[bloodman]

Originally Posted by thump55

I test drove a used (2000, 150K) F150 that had a slight "tick" to it. Owner said this is a common thing in the 5.4L engines.

I had the 4.6L and am aware of the sparkplug thread issues (happened twice on my '97), but it never had a tick. This sounds more like a lifter, or possibly even a slight exhaust noise, although it is possible it is a loose plug. It's not very loud, but it is noticeable.

Any other Ford owners have this issue? Is it something to be worried about? (I did not buy the truck).

Bad video but I will bet this is the problem. Cam Phaser.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHP1g499O2o

Sounds like the cam phaser. My 2004 is in the shop now having a new engine installed. Same problem.

[thump55]

Originally Posted by bloodman

Bad video but I will bet this is the problem. Cam Phaser.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHP1g499O2o

It didn't really sound like that...hard to describe, but it sounded a bit more "crisp" or pronounced.

I am tending to lean toward's Paul's manifold explanation. That's the area where I thought the sound was coming from.

[KennyPowers]

It's the exhaust manifold... I just had the second one replaced this week.
It more pronounced when the engine is cold and under a load?

Good choice to let this dog alone.

Those engines (early 2000's 5.4 L) have gremlins and you could spend thousands of $$ and still have problems. A good buddy HAD one, F150, about the same age and replaced, on his and Ford's mechanics advice the following: Intake manifold, all plugs/ignition coils, lifters, exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, and a few other things. Never fixed the problem and he finally traded in for another Ford (why, I'm not sure?).

His would "tick", knock (sounded like lifter knock), run rough, bad mileage. Compression checked good, cylinders were inspected- good. Just a money pit for a year or so till he got sick of throwing good money after bad.

[justin99]

i have a 04 150 5.4 (newer style), runs great does everything it should has 114k on it. When idleing it sounds like a very quiet diesel I think its the lifters, but the noice stops as soon as you give it gas at all.

[holdem]

Originally Posted by justin99

i have a 04 150 5.4 (newer style), runs great does everything it should has 114k on it. When idleing it sounds like a very quiet diesel I think its the lifters, but the noice stops as soon as you give it gas at all.

Trust me...its the phasers.