Engine ticking

Tiny
WILL HAMILTON
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 FORD F-150
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
I replace the valve lifters, 5 were bad out of the 8 (with sealed power HT-2271 lifters) in my 07 ford f150 4.6l 120000 miles on the passenger side drove around for about 5 miles im still hearing the same noise as before I took them out and replace it with 8 of the same brand and test drove again and still have the same problem my oil pressure is fine but did not see oil squirt everywhere when valve cover was off, I use synthetic oil timing chain is not loose springs and valves seems to be fine I have no sludge is there a proper way of installing or preparing lifters because I could not find any manuals on it and mechanics in my area want at least a cpl of hundred to diagnostic the problem and a big thank you on any advice I receive on this topic
Tuesday, June 24th, 2014 AT 10:06 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Installing the lash adjusters is pretty cut and dried however you need to put the cam followers in the same position that they came out of or cam wear will be very fast if not. Check cam and or followers for scoring on the rollers that may be your problem or if none found then drive a little bit more and it may take a bit for the adjusters to pump up. also make sure all your cam holes where oil squirts out are free and clear of debris. the ticking noise may be something else like a timing chain component problem.

This guide should help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-noises

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Tuesday, June 24th, 2014 AT 12:25 PM
Tiny
WILL HAMILTON
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Im pretty sure the holes are free, could it be that one side of the engine not getting enough oil pressure?And I hear some people telling me to soak the lifters overnight and thank you for the advice
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Tuesday, June 24th, 2014 AT 12:57 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Ya soaking them overnight is a good idea but if you drive it some they should pump up by themselves. Unless a n oil hole is blocked would be the only reason not getting oil and hard I'd figure with synthetic you wouldn't have that problem.
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Tuesday, June 24th, 2014 AT 1:01 PM
Tiny
WILL HAMILTON
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I just found out my oil level is to high could that be a major problem with the oil pressure flow to the lifters and thanks for the advice again
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Tuesday, June 24th, 2014 AT 3:52 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Tmuch oil can cause foaming which isn't good but I kind of doubt it but it dependson how much is to much but normally it wouldn't cause a problem I thin you are beating a dead horse so to speak and going in the wrong direction because ticking noises can come from many areas. Like a fan belt and tensioner that hasn't been changed recommended 60k but not being able to hear it I can't say for sure besides the lifters don't move up an ddown anyhow that is why I said to look at cam and followers you'll be able to easily see if that is the problem or not. Worn cam and followers would give the same noise. In your case I'd let a pro diagnose this you don't have to get it fixed just let him do some things to see what is wrong.
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Tuesday, June 24th, 2014 AT 3:56 PM
Tiny
JSTEELE211
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 FORD F-150
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 53,000 MILES
I have a ticking noise from my 5.4 triton that sounds almost like an exhaust leak but isn't. It dosen't affect the performance or anything but it kinda sounds like a diesel running. I have also heard other 5.4's do the same thing. Any suggestions on what the problem is? One more thing is that when I take off and turn from a dead stop, and give the truck gas I feel a vibration. It only does it when I turn the truck andnot going straight. The more gas I give it the worse it vibirates. Thanks for any advice.
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Wednesday, December 4th, 2019 AT 12:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAVE H
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,383 POSTS
TICKING AND / OR KNOCKING NOISE / STARTUP RATTLE FROM ENGINE - 4.6L / 5.4L 3V
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
Reference Number(s): 06-19-8, Date of Issue: October 2, 2006
FORD:2005 Mustang; 2004-2005 F-150; 2005 Expedition, F-250, F-350
LINCOLN:2005 Navigator
Superceded Bulletin(s): 06-4-7, Date of Issue: March 6, 2006
Related Ref Number(s): 05-15-8, 06-19-8, 06-4-7
ARTICLE BEGINNING
ISSUE
NOTE:This article supersedes TSB 06-4-7 to update the Service Procedure.

Some vehicles equipped with a 4.6L 3-valve or 5.4L 3-valve engine may exhibit a ticking and / or knocking noise after reaching normal operating temperature, or a rattle upon starting. The noise may be described as ticks, taps, knocks, or thumps. In some cases the noise may be a normal characteristic of these engines. In other cases the noise may require further investigation. Sorting out and defining the noise as reported by the customer is important to successfully diagnose and / or repair the condition.
ACTION
Before starting diagnosis, it is critical to determine the specific engine noise the customer is concerned with. The customer should be interviewed to get their detailed perception and description of the noise, and to determine if the noise occurs at idle or above idle speed, and if the engine is cold, hot, or both. Attempt to duplicate the noise, and determine the source of the symptom. Refer to the following Service Procedure to help determine the source of the noise and if a repair is needed.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
NOTE:READ THIS SECTION IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE BEGINNING.

NOTE:THE 4.6L 3V AND 5.4L 3V ENGINES ARE INSTALLED IN SEVERAL VEHICLE PLATFORMS, WHICH MAY INFLUENCE THE INTENSITY OF NOISE DUE TO VEHICLE DIFFERENCES IN SOUND TRANSMISSION PATHS, HOOD AND BODY INSULATION PACKAGES, AND ROOT CAUSE OF THE COMPONENT(S) CAUSING THE NOISE.

PRE-CHECKS
Make sure you have a detailed description of the noise the customer is concerned with, including whether the noise is occurring at idle or above idle speed (does it disappear above 1200 RPM), and if the engine is cold, hot, or both when the noise is occurring. These engines generate a lot of "normal" noises, so it is critical to confirm the noise the customer is concerned with. Determine what environment the customer is in when the noise is most noticeable to them (inside passenger compartment, next to building with / without the driver and / or passenger window open, or beside the wheel well). Validate by using your own perception.
Compare the noise generated with a new vehicle, if available, with an ENGINE build date of 3/30/2005 or later on Mustang and 4/18/2005 or later on F-150 to F-350, Expedition and Navigator vehicles.
Diagnose noise when engine is at normal operating temperature (Oil at 160 ° F (71 ° C) or above). Verify oil temperature by using a diagnostic scan tool and monitoring the engine oil temperature (EOT) PID. Startup rattle may only occur with cold oil.
Check the type of oil filter installed on the vehicle. A dirty or clogged filter may cause a pressure drop. Look for aftermarket brands not recognized in the market or a production filter that has gone beyond the standard Ford recommended change interval.
Check for signs of oil brand used and viscosity (interview customer if needed). Motorcraft(R) SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil or equivalent is recommended.
Once the above pre-checks are complete, check for sound level from the following components, in the order listed. Compare the sound from these components to the noise the customer is concerned with, to determine the source of the noise.
INJECTION / FUEL SYSTEM
Injector noise (ticking) is considered normal. Noise increases with RPM hot or cold and is recognized at the top of the engine.
VALVE TRAIN
Lash adjusters can make a ticking / tapping noise noticeable at any engine RPM / temperature and is audible through the wheel well or an open hood. However, with the hood down, lash adjuster noise can be heard as a light tapping noise through the wheel well and is considered normal.
Tracing this noise must be isolated to a cylinder bank. If one bank is louder than the other bank, focus the diagnostic to the loud bank. If both banks seem loud with the hood down, compare wheel well sound level to another comparable vehicle.
Use a stethoscope on the top of the cam cover bolt heads to confirm which bank is affected. Move the probe from front to rear if necessary.
If isolated, only replace the intake and exhaust lifters on the affected cylinder bank.
VARIABLE CAM TIMING
The 4.6L 3V and 5.4L 3V variable cam timing (VCT) feature may emit a light knock in normal operation and is audible only at idle speed, with a hot engine (gear selector in park / neutral). However, it may be masked by or mistaken for other noises generated from either injector firing or a malfunctioning valve train as described above. The noise does not affect performance or durability of the part.
VCT phasers may knock at hot idle. It may be heard inside the passenger compartment, or the wheel well area. Some light noise is normal. The engine may require a cold soak overnight for a full diagnosis to effectively be made at hot idle, particularly when a VCT phaser is suspected. The knock is not prevalent at cold temperature.
To test for VCT noise:
Place the transmission in park or neutral
Bring engine oil temperature to 160 ° F (71 ° C) or above as indicated by the scan tool "EOT" PID.
Allow engine to idle, and determine if noise is noticeable.
Set engine speed to over 1200 RPM (if noise is a VCT knock, the noise should disappear).
Return engine speed to idle (verify knock returns).
If the noise intensity is more than a lightly audible knock at hot idle under 1200 RPM at engine operating temperature, replace the cam phaser using the "In-Vehicle Repair" Camshaft Phaser and Sprocket procedure found in the Workshop Manual, Section 303-01
START UP RATTLE
Some 2004 F-150 and 2005 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, F-Super Duty, and Mustang vehicles may have a rattle on startup that lasts 1 to 3 seconds. If initial pre-checks have been completed and the noise sounds like it is coming from the front of the engine, replace the VCT Phaser Kit. If the engine continues to make the rattle noise after the initial startup do not exchange VCT.

LIMITED SLIP AXLE CHATTER, SHUDDER, BINDING SENSATION, OR VIBRATION DURING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
Reference Number(s): 06-4-4, Date of Issue: March 6, 2006
FORD:2002-2004 Mustang, Explorer; 2003-2004 Expedition; 2004 F-150
LINCOLN:2003 Navigator
MERCURY:2002-2004 Mountaineer
Superceded Bulletin(s): 06-2-16, Date of Issue: February 6, 2006, 04-24-20, Date of Issue: December 13, 2004
Related Ref Number(s): 03-19-8, 04-17-5, 04-24-20, 06-2-16, 06-4-4
ARTICLE BEGINNING
ISSUE
NOTE:This article supersedes TSB 06-2-16 to update the Service Procedure.

Some 2003-2004 Expedition, 2003 Navigator, 2004 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 9.75" or 8.8" limited slip rear axle, and 2002-2004 Explorer 4dr, Mountaineer, and Mustang vehicles equipped with 8.8" limited slip rear axle, may exhibit a chatter, shudder, a binding sensation, or a vibration during low speed turns. On 4X4 vehicles, the sensation may appear to be originating from the front axle or the steering gear.
ACTION
First verify the condition. On 4X4 trucks ensure that the vehicle is in 2WD, to isolate the rear axle. On all vehicles, turn the wheel fully right (or fully left) and then accelerate the vehicle. If the condition is verified to be in the rear axle, replace the limited slip clutch pack
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Wednesday, December 4th, 2019 AT 12:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CAMOCHEF
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 FORD F-150
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
After the engine warms up, I have a ticking sound comming from the engine area.I use lucas products with oil changes, oil pressure good, seems to be gettting louder
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Wednesday, December 4th, 2019 AT 12:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Hello,

Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can hear the noise? That would be great. You can upload it here with your response.
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Wednesday, December 4th, 2019 AT 12:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MOMMAT
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2002 FORD F-150
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 135,000 MILES
2002 f150, vin=W, triton 4.6 L. Started when oil light came on and no pressure on gauge. Pulled over immediately and checked oil. Had plenty. Towed it home, drained and cleaned and douched oil pump and pick up with 1/2 gallon of diesel. Changed oil n filter. Initially ticking stopped. Took for a short drive; oil pressure gauge reads above half and no idiot light now, but obd says 000 for oil pressure now.(255 before) I don't know if sensor is bad for obd, but ticking on left side of engine is now more pronounced. What exactly needs replacing now? (Assuming oil system is good now)
Thanks.
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Wednesday, December 4th, 2019 AT 12:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MIKE H R
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,094 POSTS
With plenty of oil and the oil light coming on I would Have the truck checked for any trouble codes. The oil pump could have been blocked or going bad. With the ticking getting worse you might still have low oil pressure. You can try flushing it out again. The first time could have cleaned the pickup screen some but not all the way.
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Wednesday, December 4th, 2019 AT 12:56 PM (Merged)

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