Can't seem to get an accurate diagnosis - Engine Noise
 

I recently bought a 2004 F150 Heritage 4x4 with a 4.6. Ran fine for awhile, and really, it still runs O.K, but I have a weird ticking sound when I accelerate. I seem to get a range of answers for this problem, all from spark plug replacement, to an EBR treatment, to rebuilding the entire engine. Preferably it's the EBR treatment. However, like I said, I never seem to get a consistent answer to this question.

Could it be the cam phasers? Could I really need to rebuild or install a new engine? Is it as simple as an EBR treatment to get rid of some sludge? I honestly don't know, and I'd rather not pay several thousand dollars for something that I'm told may NOT fix the problem.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

Can't seem to get an accurate diagnosis - Engine Noise
 

A few notes for you.
1. You don't have cam phasers. You have a 2 valve 4.6. So there's no need to worry about that.
2. It could be an exhaust manifold leaking.
3. It could be loose timing chains.
4. It could be loose spark plugs.
5. It could be detonation.
I'm sure there are others I'm not remembering at 5 am after work, but I would check those out first.
Also, since it's a heritage, you may want to post in the 97-03 section in the forum.