Since the weather has permitted having the windows down, I've been hearing what sounds like an exhaust tick while accelerating. It's very tough to notice, and I wouldn't have cared if I wasn't aware of our engines firing plugs out of the heads. I can only hear it from the reflection of sound off of large objects that I am passing IE parked cars, walls, etc. I can't really hear it if I am out in the open. When I pop the hood and rev the engine, I don't hear it at all. Could it only be happening while the engine is under load? Do you guys think it's an issue at all? I am worried about the plugs seeing that it's a common issue for the 2v engines. Should I pop the coils off and just tighten the plugs down, replace them, or what? Or am I hearing a normal noise like injectors?

The truck is an 01 5.4 with 61k miles.

 

Mine does it check the flange where the exhaust manifold meets the rest of the piping.

 

Also check your manifold studs some of them could be snapped clean off. Very common on this generation I have the same issue unfortunately.

 

Thanks guys, I'll take a look at the mani's and flanges the next time I'm under it.

 

Are those your original plugs?

If yes, and you have even the slightest feeling that it could be a plug, might as well take the coils off and replace them rather than only checking the torque. It won't take much longer and will save hassle down the road.

Something under mine definitely clicks. I can hear it at the bank and next to buildings like fast food joints. I think it might only be a cat.

 

It's an exhaust leak..... Like they said above ^^^^ check flanges where exhaust bolts to manifold and check manifold bolts as the heads break off causing the annoying.... Tick tick tick tick. U hear echoing back at u as u pass buildings!

 

AFAIK, I've owned it for less than two years. I'll be sure to do this job this summer. Motorcraft replacements?

 

I run auto lights form autozone without any problems? To each there own tho.

 

Yes.