tick tick tick
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 205
Likes: 6
tick tick tick
I've got a 2001 5.4. First Ford I've ever owned, just bought it 6 months ago with 115,000 on it.
It's got a pretty healthy tick, curious what is the easiest way to tell exhaust leak from lifter ticking with these modular motors? It seems to be the same volume regardless of which side I listen under... I'm considering an exhaust upgrade and may attempt the infamous header install... manifolds are rusty but might not be past the point of no return yet, so I would like to swap them before they get worse. My luck I will break about 6 bolts...
Just curious what kind of tips you guys have to help me figure out if this is exhaust or not though... doesn't seem like engine temp makes any difference either
It's got a pretty healthy tick, curious what is the easiest way to tell exhaust leak from lifter ticking with these modular motors? It seems to be the same volume regardless of which side I listen under... I'm considering an exhaust upgrade and may attempt the infamous header install... manifolds are rusty but might not be past the point of no return yet, so I would like to swap them before they get worse. My luck I will break about 6 bolts...
Just curious what kind of tips you guys have to help me figure out if this is exhaust or not though... doesn't seem like engine temp makes any difference either
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
From: Tennessee
This may not be the best way to do it, but here's how I check for exhaust leaks:
Go to the parts store or harbor freight tool store and get you a good mechanics stethoscope, then stick the metal probe to the valve cover on the motor while it is idling, or ticking. Start on one end of the valve cover, and work your way to the rear of the cover, covering all 4 cylinders on that side. Then repeat the procedure for the other side.
If you have a bad lifter or valve tick, you will know it when listening with the scope. It will sound loud and clear in the earpiece. if no noticeable noises, then it may well be an exhaust leak.
Another test that I do is smoke a cigarette while the engine is running. A cigar will work too. just load up a good drag, and blow it slowly across the exhaust manifold. If the manifold is leaking, it will blow it away from the motor-you will see it.
Another thing to look for is black spots around the exhaust flange-this would be where the exhaust is leaking and turning the manifold/head black from the burnt fuel.
hope this helps some...
Go to the parts store or harbor freight tool store and get you a good mechanics stethoscope, then stick the metal probe to the valve cover on the motor while it is idling, or ticking. Start on one end of the valve cover, and work your way to the rear of the cover, covering all 4 cylinders on that side. Then repeat the procedure for the other side.
If you have a bad lifter or valve tick, you will know it when listening with the scope. It will sound loud and clear in the earpiece. if no noticeable noises, then it may well be an exhaust leak.
Another test that I do is smoke a cigarette while the engine is running. A cigar will work too. just load up a good drag, and blow it slowly across the exhaust manifold. If the manifold is leaking, it will blow it away from the motor-you will see it.
Another thing to look for is black spots around the exhaust flange-this would be where the exhaust is leaking and turning the manifold/head black from the burnt fuel.
hope this helps some...
Too Loud? Too Bad!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 558
Likes: 29
From: Central NJ
Or, one or more plugs are not tightened properly. 5.4s, at least of our generation (unsure about newer ones) are infamous for ejecting plugs that aren't properly tightened. Happened to me. Check the plugs, even if you determine it's an exhaust issue. Can't hurt to have some peace of mind.
