So I guess I have been running around for a bit with very low oil, put some more in a few days ago (3 quarts), and then today I noticed my engine ticks when I am accelerating. The ticking increases with RPM, not the tires. Its hard to explain, but the video below is pretty much the same problem I am having:


I have the 1997 F-150 4.6L, 4x4 automatic with just under 170k miles.

EDIT: It does not matter the rpms, it starts ticking when I accelerate, if I just rev the engine in park it will not tick. The ticking starts when ever I accelerate and I cannot tell if it ever ends as it just gets so fast it blends in with the engine noise. I tried to record it but my phone will not pick up on the sound. With the windows rolled up you cannot hear the tick in the cab, but when you put them down you can.

EDIT 2: It will not tick when I rev up in park or neutral, only drive.

 

Bring it to a shop. The $50 for an exact diagnosis would be money well spent.

Otherwise exhaust manifolds or a loose plug make ticking noises.

 

Check plug torque.

 

Where is that / how do I check it?

 

................

You know, those spark plug things everyone's always talking about? They provide one of three necessary components for an engine to run (spark, fuel, air).

You have 8 of them.

You check them with this tool called a torque wrench.

They are located in your engine. 4 on the driver side, 4 on the passenger. Near those shiny tube looking things, the fuel rails.

Earlier today you're posting about getting more lift so you can be the tallest in the parking lot and wondering which lights are better for a back rack yet you don't know what a spark plug is. I guess it's no surprise you ran without oil.

 

Well excuse me for not knowing which plug he is talking about almighty tackle.

 

I apologize.

Out of curiosity, what other plugs would he be talking about torquing? Maybe I can learn something.

 

After posting on other sites I have been checking drain / fill plugs for my oil and transfer case, and I am sure there are other plugs.

 

Those wouldn't make a ticking noise.

 

This is true considering the problem you were posting about.... just saying... 😒