I've read a bit on this by searching the forum, but want to throw this noise out there to see if this is what I'm hearing.

I only hear it after the truck has warmed up. It appears to be louder the hotter the engine gets, to a certain point. It can only be heard when slowly reving the motor until about 2K. The sound is not there when the motor is not being reved, i.e. while reving it can be heard, but when the engine RPM stops climbing so does the sound, if I stop at 1.5K so does the noise, if I stop at 2k so does the noise, doesn't really happen over 2k. If I stab the gas to rev the motor is doesn't happen at all. Only during slow to medium-slow revs. The sound seems to be coming from low on the front of the motor and possibly to the driver's right (passenger side).

From what I've read, if it is this vavle I've got nothing to worry about. What I'm wondering is this a fairly accurate description of when this valve makes this tapping noise and if not what could it be?

By the way....it's a 2001 XLT 5spd with just over 60K (of course 4.2).

 

yea thats what it is man, i had the same concern when i 1st got mine...it makes this God awful ticking sound that seems to taunt you in drive throughs when there is a wall there for the sound to echo. Its (from what ive been told) normal and wont hurt the engine...they said you can replace that valve with the 03'+ models valve and it will make the sound go away...just a thought

 

Guys, There is actually a recall for that specific problem. I have to take mine in because of another recall... a loud metallic vibration sound during low RPM increases. Go see your local dealer and they will knock it out for free.

 

for what years?

 

Go to this link. It is run by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Scroll to the bottom and choose your year truck in the section called "Ford F-150 Info".

http://www.pricingcentral.com/ford/f150.html

This page has all the official recalls and safety bulletins for your specific vehicle. I thought this would help more than simply answering your question.

 

I don't see that recall for 2001

 

That is so weird. I'll find it for you.