I have read SEVERAL issues on this but I am having a very strange issue. The motor ticks in the front passenger side at start up more so when it's set for a bit. It will tick for about 30 seconds then quit, runs just as smooth and quite as a brand new one. You can rev the engine to 2-3k and nothing smooth as silk. But when you put it in gear and accelerate it starts ticking again. I just can't wrap my head on why it wouldn't tick when you rev the engine but does when you put it in gear and accelerate. Any ideas?

 

What engine might this be?
What year truck?
How many miles?
Rough maintenance or brief history?

 

2006 5.4L about 174k miles. Regular maintenance.

 

Exhaust leak? e.g. manifold

Rather than playing 20 questions .....
HINT/TIP: Put your -complete- vehicle information (year, model, cab, trim, engine, wheelbase, _x4 drive, mileage, modifications, etc., etc.) in your signature -OR- provide it in your posting(s).
.

 

A lot of thing can cause a tick;
Injectors
Exhaust leak
lifter tap
phaser locking pins
loose spark plug
or, it just being a triton.

Can you describe the tick and provide an estimated location of where it's coming from?

 

Well I read that could be a possibility. When it heats up it seals. Also read it could be a loose spark plug, something in the timing case, lifter, or a bad roller follower. It just seems if it was one of any of those it would tick even when I just revved the engine up out of gear.

 

If you can, just double check plug torque.
Can also take a flashlight and look for black soot around the manifolds.

 

@scorge It sounds like metal tapping on metal the best I can describe it. When I first start it up after sitting a bit and the motor is cool it sounds like it's coming from both sides somewhere in the front maybe more predominately on the passenger side in the heads then a few seconds later it sounds like its just on the passenger side only around the heads.

 

Passenger side manifold leaks are prominent on these trucks.
Take a good look around the studs and mating edges. Black soot will be indicative of a leak

 

I haven't really paid attention so I'll defiantly look for that.