Hey all - I have been around the site for a while and read many posts on the 5.4L ticking noise (although I am sure I have not read them all, so if you know of one that points out this issue please let me know). I have a tick at cold start up that seems to quiet down after 15-20 seconds when the RPMs drop from 1200ish back to 850ish. However the tick does not go away after that time, just gets quieter. Tick is loudest on the passenger side near the valve cover. I have performed the following repairs over the last 3-4 months and none of them has solved the issue:

• Spark plug and COP replacement (all 8 of each)
• Exhaust manifold and gasket replacement (passenger side)
• Full timing job including
  • New high volume oil pump
  • crankshaft timing sprocket
  • timing chains
  • timing chain guides
  • timing chain tensions
  • cam shaft phasers (both sides)
  • VCT solenoids (both sides)
  • lash adjusters (passenger side only)
  • roller followers (passenger side only)
• Catalytic converter replacement (passenger side) - this was not for the ticking but the truck was throwing a P0420 code that I thought could be related to the ticking so I thought I would include it.

A couple notes on the repairs:

• During the timing job, I found the gasket on the back of the passenger side timing chain tensioner was blown out so I thought that was the issue. The guides were all still in good shape so I do not think the chain was slapping too much (although I replaced them anyway). When I got the truck back together and cranked it up, the tick was still there.
• Drove it for a few weeks and decided that the only thing left that was not changed during the timing job was the lifters and roller followers, so I opened it back up and replaced those this past weekend. Got it back together and cranked it up, tick still there.

The truck seems to run fine, no CEL or codes being thrown. I would chalk it up to normal valve train noise but the driver side is not producing the same noise. I really do not know what else to check and I could use some help on where to go from here? Thanks is advance!

-JP

 

Maybe VCT solenoids and injectors?

 

Sorry - replaced VCT solenoids as part of the timing job also. I updated the post with this info.

How would I go about diagnosing the tick from injectors?

 

I don't know other than replacing them. Maybe someone else can chime in here.

 

Are you sure it isn't an Injector? Mine are loud as hell. I didn't realize it until I did my timing.

 

That's what I was going to say, injectors. You can pick up an automotive stethoscope at an auto parts store and use that to help you isolate the noise.

 

They are $4 at harbor Freight if you have one near you.