5.4L Ticking
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 338
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From: Georgia
5.4L Ticking
I just noticed that my motor has a annoying tick in it. It happens when I start it up till I shut it off (can't hear while driving). I dont have any loss of power or anything like that. The truck has now got over 146,000 on it and has never had any trouble. If anyone can help me out with this I would really be thankful. I just want to know to I need to get it fixed or will it be fine.
Thanks
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 145
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Mine ticks, and my brothers 5.4 ticks. It may be normal or maybe the three of us will have a rod discharged from the block in a week! Either way they both have done it as long as I can remember and everyone always tells me to turn the radio up. Not very good advice but I would also subscribe to this thread since mine does it too.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 432
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From: Bishopville, MD
Maybe at the mileage your at a lifter is starting to tick. If I remember right some 5.4 2v motors develop valve train noise at high mileage.
Be sure to inspect your sparkplugs with a torque wrench tickin can be a sign that a ford modular has a loose plug on its way out of the head.
Be sure to inspect your sparkplugs with a torque wrench tickin can be a sign that a ford modular has a loose plug on its way out of the head.
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,226
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From: San Antonio, TX
I had an 01 with a 5.4 ticked for 4 years, no big deal.
If it just started, check the exhaust manifold studs to see if any have broken off. Also check that the spark lpugs are properly torqued.
If it just started, check the exhaust manifold studs to see if any have broken off. Also check that the spark lpugs are properly torqued.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 444
Likes: 2
From: Franktown, CO
There is a TSB on this for 5.4s of certain year models. It was faulty cam phasers. I have an 2004 F150 bought it used from the dealer. Imade them fix this before I purchased it. If I find that TSB again I'll post it.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 444
Likes: 2
From: Franktown, CO
Ok wrong year model but here ii the TSB anyway
TICKING AND / OR KNOCKING NOISE / STARTUP TSB 06-19-8
RATTLE FROM ENGINE—4.6L / 5.4L 3V
FORD: LINCOLN:
2005 Mustang 2005 Navigator
2004-2005 F-150
2005 Expedition, F-250, F-350
RATTLE FROM ENGINE—4.6L / 5.4L 3V
FORD: LINCOLN:
2005 Mustang 2005 Navigator
2004-2005 F-150
2005 Expedition, F-250, F-350
This article supersedes TSB
06-4-7 to update the NOTE
Service Procedure. THE 4.6L 3V AND 5.4L 3V ENGINES ARE
INSTALLED IN SEVERAL VEHICLE PLATFORMS,
ISSUE
INSTALLED IN SEVERAL VEHICLE PLATFORMS,
ISSUE
WHICH MAY INFLUENCE THE INTENSITY OF
Some vehicles equipped with a 4.6L 3-valve or 5.4L NOISE DUE TO VEHICLE DIFFERENCES IN
3-valve engine may exhibit a ticking and / or SOUND TRANSMISSION PATHS, HOOD AND
knocking noise after reaching normal operating BODY INSULATION PACKAGES, AND ROOT
temperature, or a rattle upon starting. The noise CAUSE OF THE COMPONENT(S) CAUSING THE
may be described as ticks, taps, knocks, or thumps. NOISE.
In some cases the noise may be a normal
characteristic of these engines. In other cases the
3-valve engine may exhibit a ticking and / or SOUND TRANSMISSION PATHS, HOOD AND
knocking noise after reaching normal operating BODY INSULATION PACKAGES, AND ROOT
temperature, or a rattle upon starting. The noise CAUSE OF THE COMPONENT(S) CAUSING THE
may be described as ticks, taps, knocks, or thumps. NOISE.
In some cases the noise may be a normal
characteristic of these engines. In other cases the
PRE-CHECKS
noise may require further investigation. Sorting out
1. Make sure you have a detailed description of
and defining the noise as reported by the customer
the noise the customer is concerned with,
is important to successfully diagnose and / or repair
including whether the noise is occurring at idle
the condition.
or above idle speed (does it disappear above
ACTION
1. Make sure you have a detailed description of
and defining the noise as reported by the customer
the noise the customer is concerned with,
is important to successfully diagnose and / or repair
including whether the noise is occurring at idle
the condition.
or above idle speed (does it disappear above
ACTION
1200 RPM), and if the engine is cold, hot, or
Before starting diagnosis, it is critical to determine both when the noise is occurring. These
the specific engine noise the customer is concerned engines generate a lot of “normal” noises, so it
with. The customer should be interviewed to get is critical to confirm the noise the customer is
their detailed perception and description of the concerned with. Determine what environment
noise, and to determine if the noise occurs at idle the customer is in when the noise is most
or above idle speed, and if the engine is cold, hot, noticeable to them (inside passenger
or both. Attempt to duplicate the noise, and compartment, next to building with / without the
determine the source of the symptom. Refer to the driver and / or passenger window open, or
following Service Procedure to help determine the beside the wheel well). Validate by using your
source of the noise and if a repair is needed. own perception.
the specific engine noise the customer is concerned engines generate a lot of “normal” noises, so it
with. The customer should be interviewed to get is critical to confirm the noise the customer is
their detailed perception and description of the concerned with. Determine what environment
noise, and to determine if the noise occurs at idle the customer is in when the noise is most
or above idle speed, and if the engine is cold, hot, noticeable to them (inside passenger
or both. Attempt to duplicate the noise, and compartment, next to building with / without the
determine the source of the symptom. Refer to the driver and / or passenger window open, or
following Service Procedure to help determine the beside the wheel well). Validate by using your
source of the noise and if a repair is needed. own perception.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
2. Compare the noise generated with a new
vehicle, if available, with an ENGINE build date
NOTE
of 3/30/2005 or later on Mustang and 4/18/2005
READ THIS SECTION IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE or later on F-150 to F-350, Expedition and
BEGINNING. Navigator vehicles.
3. Diagnose noise when engine is at normal
operating temperature (Oil at 160
BEGINNING. Navigator vehicles.
3. Diagnose noise when engine is at normal
operating temperature (Oil at 160
° F (71° C) or
above). Verify oil temperature by using a
diagnostic scan tool and monitoring the engine
oil temperature (EOT) PID. Startup rattle may
only occur with cold oil.
diagnostic scan tool and monitoring the engine
oil temperature (EOT) PID. Startup rattle may
only occur with cold oil.
NOTE:
The information in Technical Service Bulletins is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge, tools, and equipment to do
the job properly and safely. It informs these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or provides information that could assist in proper
vehicle service. The procedures should not be performed by “do-it-yourselfers”. Do not assume that a condition described affects your car or truck. Contact a
Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury dealership to determine whether the Bulletin applies to your vehicle. Warranty Policy and Extended Service Plan documentation
determine Warranty and/or Extended Service Plan coverage unless stated otherwise in the TSB article.The information in this Technical Service Bulletin
(TSB) was current at the time of printing. Ford Motor Company reserves the right to supercede this information with updates.The most recent information is
available through Ford Motor Company’s on-line technical resources.
vehicle service. The procedures should not be performed by “do-it-yourselfers”. Do not assume that a condition described affects your car or truck. Contact a
Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury dealership to determine whether the Bulletin applies to your vehicle. Warranty Policy and Extended Service Plan documentation
determine Warranty and/or Extended Service Plan coverage unless stated otherwise in the TSB article.The information in this Technical Service Bulletin
(TSB) was current at the time of printing. Ford Motor Company reserves the right to supercede this information with updates.The most recent information is
available through Ford Motor Company’s on-line technical resources.
Copyright
ã 2006 Ford Motor Company Online Publication Date September 13, 2006 PAGE 1
TSB 06-19-8 (Continued)
4. Check the type of oil filter installed on the VCT phasers may knock at hot idle. It may be
vehicle. A dirty or clogged filter may cause a heard inside the passenger compartment, or the
pressure drop. Look for aftermarket brands not wheel well area. Some light noise is normal. The
recognized in the market or a production filter engine may require a cold soak overnight for a full
that has gone beyond the standard Ford diagnosis to effectively be made at hot idle,
recommended change interval. particularly when a VCT phaser is suspected. The
knock is not prevalent at cold temperature.
5. Check for signs of oil brand used and viscosity
(interview customer if needed). Motorcraft
4. Check the type of oil filter installed on the VCT phasers may knock at hot idle. It may be
vehicle. A dirty or clogged filter may cause a heard inside the passenger compartment, or the
pressure drop. Look for aftermarket brands not wheel well area. Some light noise is normal. The
recognized in the market or a production filter engine may require a cold soak overnight for a full
that has gone beyond the standard Ford diagnosis to effectively be made at hot idle,
recommended change interval. particularly when a VCT phaser is suspected. The
knock is not prevalent at cold temperature.
5. Check for signs of oil brand used and viscosity
(interview customer if needed). Motorcraft
â To test for VCT noise:
SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil
or equivalent is recommended. 1. Place the transmission in park or neutral
Once the above pre-checks are complete, check 2. Bring engine oil temperature to 160
or equivalent is recommended. 1. Place the transmission in park or neutral
Once the above pre-checks are complete, check 2. Bring engine oil temperature to 160
° F (71° C)
for sound level from the following components, in or above as indicated by the scan tool “EOT”
the order listed. Compare the sound from these PID.
components to the noise the customer is concerned 3. Allow engine to idle, and determine if noise is
with, to determine the source of the noise. noticeable.
the order listed. Compare the sound from these PID.
components to the noise the customer is concerned 3. Allow engine to idle, and determine if noise is
with, to determine the source of the noise. noticeable.
INJECTION / FUEL SYSTEM
4. Set engine speed to over 1200 RPM (if noise is
Injector noise (ticking) is considered normal. Noise a VCT knock, the noise should disappear).
increases with RPM hot or cold and is recognized 5. Return engine speed to idle (verify knock
at the top of the engine. returns).
increases with RPM hot or cold and is recognized 5. Return engine speed to idle (verify knock
at the top of the engine. returns).
VALVE TRAIN
If the noise intensity is more than a lightly audible
Lash adjusters can make a ticking / tapping noise knock at hot idle under 1200 RPM at engine
noticeable at any engine RPM / temperature and is operating temperature, replace the cam phaser
audible through the wheel well or an open hood. using the “In-Vehicle Repair” Camshaft Phaser and
However, with the hood down, lash adjuster noise Sprocket procedure found in the Workshop Manual,
can be heard as a light tapping noise through the Section 303-01
wheel well and is considered normal.
noticeable at any engine RPM / temperature and is operating temperature, replace the cam phaser
audible through the wheel well or an open hood. using the “In-Vehicle Repair” Camshaft Phaser and
However, with the hood down, lash adjuster noise Sprocket procedure found in the Workshop Manual,
can be heard as a light tapping noise through the Section 303-01
wheel well and is considered normal.
START UP RATTLE
Tracing this noise must be isolated to a cylinder Some 2004 F-150 and 2005 F-150, Expedition,
bank. If one bank is louder than the other bank, Navigator, F-Super Duty, and Mustang vehicles may
focus the diagnostic to the loud bank. If both banks have a rattle on startup that lasts 1 to 3 seconds. If
seem loud with the hood down, compare wheel well initial pre-checks have been completed and the
sound level to another comparable vehicle. noise sounds like it is coming from the front of the
Use a stethoscope on the top of the cam cover bolt engine, replace the VCT Phaser Kit. If the engine
heads to confirm which bank is affected. Move the continues to make the rattle noise after the initial
probe from front to rear if necessary. startup do not exchange VCT.
If isolated, only replace the intake and exhaust
bank. If one bank is louder than the other bank, Navigator, F-Super Duty, and Mustang vehicles may
focus the diagnostic to the loud bank. If both banks have a rattle on startup that lasts 1 to 3 seconds. If
seem loud with the hood down, compare wheel well initial pre-checks have been completed and the
sound level to another comparable vehicle. noise sounds like it is coming from the front of the
Use a stethoscope on the top of the cam cover bolt engine, replace the VCT Phaser Kit. If the engine
heads to confirm which bank is affected. Move the continues to make the rattle noise after the initial
probe from front to rear if necessary. startup do not exchange VCT.
If isolated, only replace the intake and exhaust
PART NUMBER PART NAME
lifters on the affected cylinder bank.
5L1Z-6500-AA Lash Adjuster (2005 Vehicles)
3L3Z-6500-BA Lash Adjuster (2004 Vehicles)
VARIABLE CAM TIMING
3R2Z-6A257-DA VCT Phaser Kit
The 4.6L 3V and 5.4L 3V variable cam timing
(VCT) feature may emit a light knock in normal
(VCT) feature may emit a light knock in normal
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of
operation and is audible only at idle speed, with a New Vehicle Limited
hot engine (gear selector in park / neutral). Warranty Coverage
However, it may be masked by or mistaken for
other noises generated from either injector firing or
a malfunctioning valve train as described above.
The noise does not affect performance or durability
of the part.
hot engine (gear selector in park / neutral). Warranty Coverage
However, it may be masked by or mistaken for
other noises generated from either injector firing or
a malfunctioning valve train as described above.
The noise does not affect performance or durability
of the part.
PAGE 2
TSB 06-19-8 (Continued)
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
TSB 06-19-8 (Continued)
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
061908B 2005 Expedition / 2.7 Hrs.
061908A 2005 Expedition / 4.5 Hrs. Navigator 5.4L 3V:
Navigator 5.4L 3V: Replace Left Bank Lash
Replace Right Bank Lash Adjusters And / Or
Adjusters And / Or Camshaft Sprocket /
Camshaft Sprocket / Phaser (6500A, 6256A,
Phaser (6500A, 6256A, 6250A, 6020A, 6268B,
6250A, 6020A, 6268B, 6266A, 6584A, 9424A)
6266A, 6584A, 9424A) 061908C 2005 Expedition / 6.7 Hrs.
061908A 2005 Mustang 4.6L 3V: 2.2 Hrs. Navigator 5.4L 3V:
Replace Right Bank Lash Replace Both Banks Lash
Adjusters And / Or Adjusters And / Or
Camshaft Sprocket / Camshaft Sprocket /
Phaser (6500A, 6256A, Phaser (6500A, 6256A,
6250A, 6020A, 6268B, 6250A, 6020A, 6268B,
6266A, 6584A, 9424A) 6266A, 6584A, 9424A)
061908A 2005 Super Duty 5.4L 3V: 3.1 Hrs. 061908C 2005 Mustang 4.6L 3V: 4.2 Hrs.
Replace Right Bank Lash Replace Both Banks Lash
Adjusters And / Or Adjusters And / Or
Camshaft Sprocket / Camshaft Sprocket /
Phaser (6500A, 6256A, Phaser (6500A, 6256A,
6250A, 6020A, 6268B, 6250A, 6020A, 6268B,
6266A, 6584A, 9424A) 6266A, 6584A, 9424A)
061908A 2004-2005 F-150 5.4L 3V: 3.7 Hrs. 061908C 2005 Super Duty 5.4L 3V: 5.2 Hrs.
Replace Right Bank Lash Replace Both Banks Lash
Adjusters And / Or Adjusters And / Or
Camshaft Sprocket / Camshaft Sprocket /
Phaser (6500A, 6256A, Phaser (6500A, 6256A,
6250A, 6020A, 6268B, 6250A, 6020A, 6268B,
6266A, 6584A, 9424A) 6266A, 6584A, 9424A)
061908B 2004-2005 F-150 5.4L 3V: 2.5 Hrs. 061908C 2004-2005 F-150 5.4L 3V: 5.5 Hrs.
Replace Left Bank Lash Replace Both Banks Lash
Adjusters And / Or Adjusters And / Or
Camshaft ) Sprocket / Camshaft Sprocket /
Phaser (6500A, 6256A, Phaser (6500A, 6256A,
6250A, 6020A, 6268B, 6250A, 6020A, 6268B,
6266A, 6584A, 9424A 6266A, 6584A, 9424A)
061908B 2005 Super Duty 5.4L 3V: 2.6 Hrs. MT061908 Claim Additional Labor Actual
Replace Left Bank Lash Required As Actual Time Time
Adjusters And / Or
Navigator 5.4L 3V: Replace Left Bank Lash
Replace Right Bank Lash Adjusters And / Or
Adjusters And / Or Camshaft Sprocket /
Camshaft Sprocket / Phaser (6500A, 6256A,
Phaser (6500A, 6256A, 6250A, 6020A, 6268B,
6250A, 6020A, 6268B, 6266A, 6584A, 9424A)
6266A, 6584A, 9424A) 061908C 2005 Expedition / 6.7 Hrs.
061908A 2005 Mustang 4.6L 3V: 2.2 Hrs. Navigator 5.4L 3V:
Replace Right Bank Lash Replace Both Banks Lash
Adjusters And / Or Adjusters And / Or
Camshaft Sprocket / Camshaft Sprocket /
Phaser (6500A, 6256A, Phaser (6500A, 6256A,
6250A, 6020A, 6268B, 6250A, 6020A, 6268B,
6266A, 6584A, 9424A) 6266A, 6584A, 9424A)
061908A 2005 Super Duty 5.4L 3V: 3.1 Hrs. 061908C 2005 Mustang 4.6L 3V: 4.2 Hrs.
Replace Right Bank Lash Replace Both Banks Lash
Adjusters And / Or Adjusters And / Or
Camshaft Sprocket / Camshaft Sprocket /
Phaser (6500A, 6256A, Phaser (6500A, 6256A,
6250A, 6020A, 6268B, 6250A, 6020A, 6268B,
6266A, 6584A, 9424A) 6266A, 6584A, 9424A)
061908A 2004-2005 F-150 5.4L 3V: 3.7 Hrs. 061908C 2005 Super Duty 5.4L 3V: 5.2 Hrs.
Replace Right Bank Lash Replace Both Banks Lash
Adjusters And / Or Adjusters And / Or
Camshaft Sprocket / Camshaft Sprocket /
Phaser (6500A, 6256A, Phaser (6500A, 6256A,
6250A, 6020A, 6268B, 6250A, 6020A, 6268B,
6266A, 6584A, 9424A) 6266A, 6584A, 9424A)
061908B 2004-2005 F-150 5.4L 3V: 2.5 Hrs. 061908C 2004-2005 F-150 5.4L 3V: 5.5 Hrs.
Replace Left Bank Lash Replace Both Banks Lash
Adjusters And / Or Adjusters And / Or
Camshaft ) Sprocket / Camshaft Sprocket /
Phaser (6500A, 6256A, Phaser (6500A, 6256A,
6250A, 6020A, 6268B, 6250A, 6020A, 6268B,
6266A, 6584A, 9424A 6266A, 6584A, 9424A)
061908B 2005 Super Duty 5.4L 3V: 2.6 Hrs. MT061908 Claim Additional Labor Actual
Replace Left Bank Lash Required As Actual Time Time
Adjusters And / Or
DEALER CODING
9424A)
Camshaft Sprocket / CONDITION
Phaser (6500A, 6256A, BASIC PART NO. CODE
6250A, 6020A, 6268B, 6500 (LASH ADJUSTER
6266A, 6584A, 9424A) REPLACEMENT) 42
061908B 2005 Mustang 4.6L 3V: 2.3 Hrs. 6A257 (VCT REPLACEMENT) 42
Replace Left Bank Lash
Adjusters And / Or
Camshaft Sprocket /
Phaser Hrs. (6500A,
6256A, 6250A, 6020A,
6268B, 6266A, 6584A,
Phaser (6500A, 6256A, BASIC PART NO. CODE
6250A, 6020A, 6268B, 6500 (LASH ADJUSTER
6266A, 6584A, 9424A) REPLACEMENT) 42
061908B 2005 Mustang 4.6L 3V: 2.3 Hrs. 6A257 (VCT REPLACEMENT) 42
Replace Left Bank Lash
Adjusters And / Or
Camshaft Sprocket /
Phaser Hrs. (6500A,
6256A, 6250A, 6020A,
6268B, 6266A, 6584A,
9424A)
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
2V 5.4L engines do not have cam phasers, so that isn't the issue. The TSB only applies to 2005+ Super Duty 5.4L engines.
I am surprised no one advised the OP to check his exhaust manifold studs, since the ticking can also be an exhaust leak.
I am surprised no one advised the OP to check his exhaust manifold studs, since the ticking can also be an exhaust leak.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Katy, TX
My 05 3V started ticking around 45K and did it all the time. I isolated it to the driver side valve cover. At 82K I pulled off the cover and discovered that the rocker closest to the firewall had gone bad. The roller had began to wallow out.
I found some useful information at: Ford Questions - how to replace rocker/cam follower ford 5 4 engine - JustAnswer
and also Automotive Technicians
I found some useful information at: Ford Questions - how to replace rocker/cam follower ford 5 4 engine - JustAnswer
and also Automotive Technicians
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 745
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
Eventually it won't seal anymore. Check for broken studs and exhaust/carbon staining around the manifold gasket area.
also, one of these can really help to pinpoint noises:
Mechanic's Stethoscope