Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum and I have a 2008 5.4L FX4. I know this has been decused before. When cold it is quiet just hear the injectors, when hot I can hear a clicking or ticking noise especialy beside a building. It's noisy from hot idle to about 1200-1300 RPM then the noise is gone. I've been reading the other posts and not sure if its normal for the newer style engine. I'm fortunate to have the new style engine on the truck according to the build date on the engine. No power loss at any speed, just annoying at low RPM. My dealer told me to put in thicker oil (10W30 max) if I didn't like the sound. I'm running 5W20 right now, going to try a ford filter next oil change (using a WIX right now) Is this true or blowing smoke up my . Please help!!!

 

Most likely your VCT solenoids engaging. They redesigned them with smaller drain holes to keep oil in the upper engine since 08.

To replace them on 07-08 models, you have to pull the valve covers.

To check to make sure it's the VCT solenoids, unplug one at a time (there is one on each side of your engine) and then rev the truck up to that rpm range and you should be able to isolate which solenoid it is if that is your problem.

Some people say its normal, others say to replace them.