after looking at all the videos on YouTube, its safe to say I do not have a cam phaser issue, but I do have a very small tick, that is a little louder at start up but calms down with the idle. is it because of the cold weather since it is winter time and im in Columbus, Ohio. anyone have an idea? I know its very minor, but its the minor problems that lead to the bigger ones.


Also, a little off topic, I also have an 01 mustang gt. Tried to move it around today, and it cranks over but will not start? any ideas? im going to tinker with it tomorrow, just looking for some ideas to start with. thanks.

 

The injectors on modular engines are very noisy. It could also be your vct solenoids clicking. Or a very small exhaust leak. Without a sound clip, is hard to give you solid information.

And with the mustang, is it trying to fire? Check to make sure you are getting spark and fuel.

 

the ticking is probably a leaking lifter. They bleed off oil pressure over time and take one or two seconds to pump back up on cold starts. I have a BMW M3 engine that does it.

Are you using the stock Motorcraft FL 820S oil filter? It has an anti drain back valve in it, not all oil filters do.

 

No I'm not. I haven't used Motorcraft oil and the Motorcraft filter. Is it best to use that? I have been using Valvoline High mileage and a Puroilator Oil filter. Maybe Ill just switch back tot he Motorcraft oil and filter and leave it all alone.

 

Just another note on the oil filter. I was just recently told by a friend that there is actually a TSB out from Ford on using filters OTHER than the Motorcraft filter for your truck. I guess part of the problem is that some filters break down and tech's were finding fibers wrapped around the cam shafts. I am told this causes a "lifter like" tick. Was also told that a lot of the time this clears up after switching back to a Motorcraft product. I will let you know as I have that problem (slight tick) with my '04 5.4L and will be switching back to only Motorcraft filters going forwward.

 

20780 1997-2009 multiple vehicle - 4.6l/5.4l - engine ticking and/or rattle noise
multiple vehicle lines with 4.6l or 5.4l engine may experience an engine ticking or rattle noise that sounds like a stuck tappet (hla). This may be due to the deterioration of an aftermarket oil filter. Vehicles with this condition have low oil pressure at one cylinder head only, while main pressures are normal. Dislodged material from the aftermarket oil filter blocks the cam cap oil passage, either at cylinder #4 (right bank rear) or cylinder #5 (left bank front).for vct equipped engines, inspect the vct valve body and the oil passages under the first cam cap. Ford recommends the use of ford approved filters only. Damage to engines caused by aftermarket oil filters are not covered under warranty.
Effective date: 05/25/2009