sparky2411

ok ive used a machanics stethascope and traced the ticking noise to the passenger side head at the rear cylinder and i was wondering if anyone has ran into this before. it doesnt matter what oil i use even lucas doesnt make a difference. the fuel mileage seems alright but i cant even squeel the tires or do a burn out not even close.i have a lttle bit of an exhaust on the truck so i cant hear anything above 1800 rpm but it does make the noise until then . i have never seen any smoke from inside the cab but i had someone tell me under load they saw a little bit not much though. its a 02 f150 xlt xtr 265/70/17 cooper atr's with 3.55 gears. oh yeah and it doesnt matter if its cold or warm or hot.

any thoughts are much appreciated

redstepper459

I have an 02 also and had what I thought was a ticking noise 4 years ago, but it turned out to be a tiny exhaust leak caused from a loose spark plug at the rear left bank, tighten it up and noise went away.

abyerf150

possibly left or right cam phaser faulty, if noise is at 750 - 1000 rpm

Towtruckfella

I have a 2003 F-150 SCrew, FX4 with the 5.4 engine. The ticking was so loud you could hear it in the cab of the truck at idle. Took it to a local Ford dealer where a cop buddy of mine gets his SuperDuty F-250 serviced. The mechanic said he knew exactly what it was. The last two spark plugs on the left bank (standing in front looking at engine). Both were loose and one coil pack needed to be replaced. Total was $260.00. Sounds like a brand new Ford.......

Dirtbuster1

I have the same problem. It only happens on startup, & last for aound 30 seconds. I even pulled my motor & changed the timing chains, tensioners, guides & oil pump. Nothing has helped. I put in all new spark plugs, & changed all of the coil packs. I am clueless of where this noise comes from. The last couple of days I have noticed what smells like antifreeze coming from the exhaust on the passenger side. I don't see any loss of fluid, but this noise is about to drive me crazy. I don't know if a blown head gasket could make this noise or not. I will continue to let it warm up before driving, until someone figures out what this noise is. You would think there would be a solution to the problem, with so many people complaining about it.

Sounds like a good time for a class action suit against FORD!