Hi, I am new here, and hope your community could pease be of help.
I have a 2001 Lincoln Navigator with a 5.4 Intech Engine. A ticking sound developed, and after my neighbor, (who told me about this community), removed the spark plugs, their was oil found in in the number 3 spark plug tube, with a little in number one as well. Will replacing the spark plug tube seals and valve gasket solve these problems? Will we need anything more? We would be most appreciative for any help. Thank-You. .

 

Seems like leaky valve cover gasket. Spark plugs, boots, valve cover gaskets should handle it, however I've never donet his job on a DOHC. The ticking is from that coil? It's probably shorting through the oil instead of the plug tip. Following path of least resistance. BTW, get Motorcraft parts where possible.

 

Is the tick coming from the oil soaked spark plug area or does it sound like a ticking valve?

 

Thank-you, yes. Not sure what the procedure is to take off the valve cover to get to the gaskets. We have got to the plugs thought, and we are going to test the coils for nominal output. Also do the spark plugs need to be removed in order to replace the spark plug tube seals?

 

Not sure how to tell that, except we will test the coils packs for operation.

 

Use a piece of hose about 3' long. Block one ear and hold one end of the hose to your other ear, then use the other end of the hose to probe around listening for the tick through the hose. Obviously watch out for moving parts and the serpentine belt.

 

Are you sure it's oil and not antifreeze as this is very common? To your point, the intake manifold gasket can start leaking and allow antifreeze to fill the plug tube.

I've used dielectric grease around the COP and it will run without issue for many months/years if you don't want to remove the manifold and repair.

Not the best way but still a band aid.