I have only owned my 08 SD for a couple months now. I had already known about the dreaded tick before I bought it. Mine has had the ticking since new. It is more evident after the engine has warmed up fully. I was just curious as to how many people have a ticking engine in their trucks. How can it be "normal", if some have it and some don't?? I guess this is more of a poll to see just how many 08 owners out there have "the tick". Anyone care to share?

Once I get my new computer figured out, I am going to make a video of the noise, and post it.

 

6.4L Diesel Engine Ticking/Tapping noise:

Some owners have noticed the ticking noise in their 6.4 L engines. It is most noticeable when engine coolant temperature is at or above 185F, and from base idle to 1500 RPM. It also is more apparent at about 3000-5000 miles or after an oil change.

Ford has issued a TSB 08-19-5 describing this ticking noise, causes of the ticking noise, instruct dealers to not fix it and states it will not effect long term durabilty. Ford dealers will provide a copy of this TSB to customers that inquire about this condition.

 

Had my oil changed by the dealer once, and I just put synthetic oil in it. No ticking so far with 12,600 trouble free miles...

 

The ticking noise showed up on mine the day after my first oil change, but did not stay around. I haven't heard it since.

 

I have had the ticking in mine ever since it was new. Comes and goes, its more noticable after oil changes. I switched to Rotella T synthetic oil the last three oil changes and it did not help. I now have 32,000 miles with no issues. I also have had an oil sample done a every oil change as part of our fleet sos program which showed no issues as well.

 

I have 15000 miles and just got my oil changed at the dealer. Its been cold 10 degree with negative wind chills and I've noticed a ticking noise. It will go away after a while if the truck completely warms up. Does anyone know if I should have the dealer place a flag on my vin in case of longterm effects so I will be covered or have some type of documentation? Thanks Dave

 

The tick is just a characteristic noise of this engine. I learned to stop worrying about it and am enjoying my truck. 43,000 trouble free miles and counting.

 

My 2009 started doing it at about 2900 miles. "Normal characteristic" definition really means we don't know how to fix it, or it is too expensive to fix it. My 2006 exhibited "normal characteristics" with the suspension according to Ford, but they ended up buying it back from me. Im just glad mine doesn't sound like this guys Ford shoots flames - Video

Maybe it will get there, as I have put about 800 more miles on since the ticking started, and the sound is getting louder. My dealer won't even look at mine, just hand me the tsb saying all is well in lala land.
WF

 

I suspect those that don't tick are using a thinner oil. I have a theory that the trucks leave the line with 10w30 oil and when we switch to 15w40 we have the tick. Anyway, mine ticks with 400 miles on it and it ticked when i bought it at 50 miles. Now i had the dealer change the oil before i took delivery so i got it with 15w40.

 

I havent change the oil in mine yet from new. It never ticked until about 2900 or so miles, then it started. So are you saying it could be as simple as changing the oil to a different viscosity?

 

So far I have found the best way to get rid of the knocking is to turn up the radio full blast. It works every time.

 

Another quick question I hope someone can answer. The tsb states that the ticking is "random", but mine is not random. Usually heard at 1300 rpm, every tick is in perfect rhythm. Is that the same sound you guys are hearing, or is it a random tick?

 

I've got over 10K miles on mine 08 job1 and have always had a lifter tick "is this what everyone is hearing", but it seems to be when it's cold then goes away until its at temp. Usualy hear it when starting off but goes away. Now when I come off the highway its a quiet as a mouse and just purrs like a well oils sewing machine. So I'm not sure if I have this ticking that everyone is talking about. Like I said above it does come and go but it's not obvious unless I realy listen for it. FYI I run Shell Rotella T syn

JIm

 

The lifter tick is not what people are referring to. The tick that the TSB talks about is more like a rattle. It sounds like the ball in a spray paint can rattling around in the bottom of the engine. It comes and goes and does not have a specific rhythm or correspond to engine RPM. Mine started right after my first oil change. It comes and goes. It's hard to hear with the windows up. The only time I really notice it is when I am in a fast food drive-thru with the window open, and the sound reflects off the building.