2002 F250 SD CC LWB 4X4 5.4 Auto

A noise started rather suddenly from my engine compartment today. It kinda sounds like an old valve tap, but it seems to be coming from the top-center of the engine ----- like where the carb would be. Not the cylinder heads.

I can only hear it when the truck is under load. Any speed, but my foot has to be on that gas pedal. I'm not sure if engine temperature has anything effect on the noise.

I pulled over to investigate the sound ... removed the air filter and air cleaner hose assy .... trying to look in their toward the intake manifold, but I could not see anything. It sounds like it is coming out of that big plastic assembly that sits on top of the engine.

Anyone have any thoughts? Tomorrow I'll be able to take a closer look at things.

Thanks in advance.
Jim

 

Surely valve tap (especially intake) would resonate through the intake plenum. I'd still rule that out first.

 

Does the noise go away at higher rpm's or when you have been driving for a while?
i have a noise (ticking) that goes away at high rpm's, or when i have been driving for a short period of time. noise is coming from left cylinder head, only thing i can think of is sticky lifter, but i need to pull the valve cover and take a look. any thoughts?

 

Is there a good way to isolate a valve tap? Use something that transmits sound from each engine area to your ear ..... like a mechanic's stethoscope?

Thanks
Jim

 

Just take a long screwdriver...put plastic handle on your ear...metal end can be rested on anywhere you wish to listen to......

 

I have a 2005 F250 5.4 with the same problem. Mine seems to start a few minutes after starting up, like once the oil gets warm. It only taps at idle, i'd say 900-1000rpms. As soon as I give it a little gas is goes away but as soon as I slow down to stop it comes right back. The dealer suggested an oil change which they did for $49.00 but its still tapping. I added a pint of CRC valve and engine cleaner hoping that if it was a sticky lifter, that would help but so far no good. Its very annoying and I'm getting pissed. I've had about 8 Fords but this might be the last one.

 

That sounds like the cam phaser (sp?).

 

better check them spark plugs they make a tapping noise before they go!!!!!

 

er one of them COP,S burned through and arc en on the head!!!!!

 

ok bump bump find out what that noise is yet??????

 

vfrpilot, what's the build date on your 2005? I had the cam phaser issue on mine, it ticked continuously though, not just at idle. It was quite annoying. If your truck was built before May? I think, of 2005, you probably need to replace your cam phaser gears. It will get worse sounding before it gets better. Only way to fix it is to have them replaced.