It could definitely be a leaking exhaust manifold if it ticks when cold... Did they change the VCT solenoids out to the latest versions? Maybe a video clip of the truck making the sound would help the most.

 

Yes might help!

 

I will get the video made, it is still at the dealer at the moment. I am going to make sure they check exhaust before anything. I'm hoping they have that smoke tester to check, is there any other way if not?

 

I've heard of what I would call a "sniffer" that sniffs out exhaust leaks but not sure.

 

wouldnt it be hard to do a smoke test on these trucks as they have constant fans blowing air across the motor?

might have to disable to fan which would then limit how long you can run the truck to do the test.

 

They will be doing the smoke test soon, I will report back to let you know if they find anything. There is still talk about changing out the head as well if they don't find a leak.

 

Betcha a thousand bucks it's an exhaust leak. Before you pull the head, take it to another shop, maybe a muffler shop? And get them to look at it.

 

I would look at worn damaged area under the valve cover on my time off. Then VCT valve.

 

Well I just got the news, it's not an exhaust leak. Smoke test was done on the motor when it was cold and then again when it was hot. No leak. I was told that Ford recommends that the whole head be replaced, possible valve problem. I'm not sure what to do at this point, guess I need to know what the labor would cost. Not sure what I'm going to do......

 

Carl,

Thanks for the update. I think I'm fighting a similar issue with my '08.

A valve train repair sounds serious (and it is). My tick will quit, but it comes back under load. My tick doesn't sound frequent enough to be ticking every 4 RPMs, but it may be.