Searched, but still need help with awful ticking sound
11-28-2011, 06:51 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Searched, but still need help with awful ticking sound
I recently changed the plugs on my 06, 5.4 liter XLT and even after letting them soak, perhaps not as long as I should have, many broke in half while removing them. Using the extractor tool, I'm sure some of the ceramic was left in the cylinders and it's probably a safe bet that some of the metal that surrounds the tip of the plug may have broke off and fell in too.
I did my best with a magnet to get any remains of the plug out but now I have a ticking sound that I didn't have before. Some of the things I did in the process are:
Would a tiny piece of the plug left in the cylinder cause this ticking sound? It could have happened in 7 of the 8 cylinders because when I used the extractor tool, I'm pretty sure as the directions said, it pushes the ceramic down to get enough room for it to bite into the shield but it would break the strap over the electrode and some of that I think may have been left in there.
Any help would be appreciated!
I did my best with a magnet to get any remains of the plug out but now I have a ticking sound that I didn't have before. Some of the things I did in the process are:
- All 8 plugs changed
- 4 injectors, changed on the side I think the ticking is coming from and installed to diagnose misfire codes
- 2 cops, while diagnosing misfire codes
- Fuel filter, same thing
- Both cats
Would a tiny piece of the plug left in the cylinder cause this ticking sound? It could have happened in 7 of the 8 cylinders because when I used the extractor tool, I'm pretty sure as the directions said, it pushes the ceramic down to get enough room for it to bite into the shield but it would break the strap over the electrode and some of that I think may have been left in there.
Any help would be appreciated!
11-28-2011, 07:43 PM
#2
Certified Ford Technician
breaking the metal off is unlikely, what brand plugs were installed? i just did 2 5.4L plug changes today 6 broke on the first truck and none on the second (mine) did you clean out the area around the boots before you started? I have seen people have small rocks collect around the plug holes and accidentally fall in making ticking sound like that
11-28-2011, 07:58 PM
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I used my compressor to blow everything clean before I started. I feel I was real careful about that. I read on the forum a little before undertaking the change and remember someone saying that. I did use Autolite Revolution HT plugs whatever that means. I bought the Motorcraft ones first and when they all broke except one, I was scared to put those back in so I changed them.