Chris, my engine makes this noise if it has been sitting longer than 5 minutes and lasts up to a minute. It is getting worse.

 

You could try some lucas oil stabilizer but I would pull the dipstick and see what the oil looks like rather than just relying on the gauges. Mine makes that after it has burned some off and the gauge never moves until the level is below the pickup.

 

My oil level and quality are fine and checked regularly. The truck doesn't leak a single fluid.

 

I was pointing that question in the OP's direction because I dont recall him mentioning any of that.

 

Forget about inadequate oil or oil filter causing the ticking noise, I owned a 2002 SuperCrew that did the same thing and it is more than likely an exhaust manifold leak. Goes away once the engine warms up.

Check the bolts/nuts on the exhaust manifolds as sometimes they become loose or have deteriorated and broken off. Ford has a fix with new stainless exhaust manifold stud bolts that are copper coated. NAPA has them.

Took me an entire weekend to get them off and changed out as they are very difficult to access. Solved my ticking noise problem though.

 

Quick update: Spoke with someone in the know at the repair facility I've used. His take is that the problem is with the bearings due to an inadequate oil pump. My first thought was the problem was in the top end. He disagrees. He thinks the engine is damaged and will continue to worsen. The noise is not what I would describe as a ticking sound nor is it similar to the "piston slap" my '98 4.6 exhibited. The noise is seemingly worst when the engine oil is warm and the truck has sat for a period of time. While the noise is there at cold start up it does not seem as bad.

Perhaps I should go to Ford and see what they think.

As an aside, I have a lawn maintenance company and pull a tandem axle trailer with some mowers. Almost all driving is around town with a lot of stop and go. Maintenance wise, the oil is changed at 3-3500 miles with a semi synthetic. Was told the oil filter has an antidrain valve. The truck was purchased at 40k miles but this issue showed up at about 107k. Has 111k on the clock right now. It uses less than 1 quart between changes.

Thanks ahead of time for any suggestions or ideas.

Steve

 

Do you mean the anti drain-back valve ? I just want to make sure I'm "in the know" as well. Well, at least as much as you are anyway.

Yea , the V8 modular's are smooth and quiet IF you run the correct filters fluids and maintenance parts. Hey, they spell all that out for you in the owners manual. The ONLY time I've seen these engines go to hell is from poor maintenance...like wrong oil, filter, fluids and half *** maintenance. Even with half maintenance these engines are usually good for 300,000 miles. Takes a lot of abuse to make them noisy. Actually the noisiest parts on that engine should be the injectors lol.... not kidding tho!

 

Thank you for posting. Yes, it is the anti drain back valve.

As for maintenance, the oil is semi synthetic, probably Pennzoil. Not sure about the filter and is changed regularly at 3k miles. The temps have been cooler lately and the noise has not been as obvious. Only does it at startup, for a minute or so before becoming quiet.

Have spoken to the shop and they think the bearings are not getting enough oil due to a faulty oil pump. Btw, this is not a Ford dealership.

Getting a oil change Saturday a week. Wonder if using Ford oil/oil filter might make a difference.

Any ideas are welcome.

 

Mine was making the same noise so I switched to Motorcraft 5w20 and it got a lot quieter but is still present so I am going to try a Motorcraft filter this weekend. If that doesnt relieve the issue completely then a new oil pump or pickup tube may be on my list too.

 

Try removing the Valve Cover and crank the engine with the fuel pump and ignition coil disabled. Check if oil is coming out smoothly. I think there is a gasket material inside where the oil comes out.