I just bought a 2006 f150 5.4 with 230k miles 😮‍💨. I’ve noticed on cold starts around 30 degrees and under it has a ticking noise for about 10-20 seconds and goes away, on one occasion I would hear a tick when slowly accelerating but when put in neutral and revving it it doesn't make the tick. Previous owner said he changed the spark plugs about 10k miles ago. I’ve also noticed on two occasions when slowly going 20-30 mph the car would jerk, almost like misfiring. And when idling parked I can smell gas fumes. My mpg is 8-10 right now adding on account for idle time, that seems pretty low for city driving. Running rich? It only has a leveling kit and 33’s so I don’t see why it would be so low. Could it be a loose plug, manifold leak? Please help

 

Could be the passenger side exhaust manifold.. mines been ticking for years.. of course i don't drive it very often and they a pita to change. any codes or cel ?

 

Could be almost anything. I highly recommend getting an OBDII scanner and using Torque Pro on your phone. I use this setup all the time! Then you can read codes as well as realtime data like fuel trims, O2 sensors, etc. Less than $50.

As for your noise, VCTs can also make that noise as well as make the engine run bad. I think on that year you need to pull valve covers to replace the VCTs, not sure. Manifolds have a history of breaking. Manifold shields can also make that noise. Of course, the infamous hydraulic tensioner may be leaking and need to be replaced as the chain is slapping on the guide. Could be a phaser. Could also be a bad injector.

An OBDII scanner might help point you in the right direction.

 

no check engine light, I’m probably going to hook up an obd2 up and see. Would a exhaust leak cause the car to jerk?

 

No. The exhaust leak is probably what you hear for the first 20 seconds after a cold start.

Misfiring would make it jerk though. A tune up meaning new spark plugs and rubber boots for the ignition coils and cleaning the coil contacts is the usual remedy for misfires.