it is an 04 and I have had it since it was brand new, I have 95,000 on it and I just noticed it started having a ticking noise on the top end of the motor so valve system somewhere. I thought at first it was somewhere in the serpentine system or fan so I unhooked the belt to give myself a better listen and there is a distinct tick. I was thinking of selling it and getting an 09 or newer 4 door but how long can it go with this tick safely? anything to worry about? how much would it potentially cost to tear into it to have it fixed? I don't want to screw anyone over so I am doing a little homework here first.

 

I had a ticking noise on my 05 F150 supercrew and it ended up being the passenger side exhaust manifold was bad. Another common issue on this model. To me it was a ticking noise on startup and faded a little as everything heated up.

May not be your issue but possibly something to check.

Good luck!

 

Maybe its the lifter?

 

Check for a loose spark plug. Pull the coils and if you find brown soot on the boot then that plug is loose.

 

Could be the oil your running.

 

Could be cam phasers.

 

My 04 had that same tick at about 120000 and at 130000 all hell broke lose. It was the nastiest idle I have ever seen and it ran like a pos. it ended up being the cam phasers. I think there called camshaft positioning sensors. Anyway I took it to the dealer and it ended up costing me 3 grand when it was all said and done. Ford did put out a bulletin on it I don't where to look to find it though.