Hey guys. I just bought a truck used and it has the notorious ticking that everyone has so many stories about. I read all of the stuff in the forums but i'm just not sure what to make of it. I have 2004 F150 Supercrew with the 5.4L at about 101,000 kms and it has the diesel knock or tick sound to it while at idle and then up to around 2000 RPMS or so, then it sounds like it misses up to 2000 RPMS and smooths out after any RPM above this and then the ticking goes away.

I brought it to Ford because I knew a couple guys and they quickly looked at it and said it was the cam phaser, but then the other mechanic said it was not the cam phaser it was the chain tensioner. What do you guys think? I looked into the whole VCT solenoid change but not sure if that applies to my situation entirely. Thanks

 

I bought my '04 F150 in Nov of '06 with the ticking noise, 18K on the clock. I had the dealer replace the cam phasers before I took delivery of the truck and the noise was gone for the time I had it. I traded it in with almost 60K.

 

I am in the same boat. Bought a F-150 supcab with 136k in Jan this year. Idlo great when it is cool. After all the work done below, the tick is still their but a little better and rough idlo with tike get loud start at 1000 rpm and go aways above 1050 rpm. If I got stick is traffic, the engine run so rough it died off once but start right up. No code now but P0012 keep showing up before change to 10w-30.
Here is the list of the work done:
First change oil and oil filter - 5w-20 and one quart of ATF added.
New plugs- Motorcraft.
Clean coils contacts.
Clean throttle body - it was gum up.
Check vacuum leak - none.
Change VCT solenoids - both side.
Chage oil filter again but not oil.
Change fuel filter - brown fuel come out on the intake side, run a lot smoother on higher rpm after filter change. Change again after 1/2 of tank used up and I cut open both filters to check the filter element. First time it was BAD. It looked dark brown and lots of fine dirt. The second filter element was clean. I was ready to drop the fuel tank for clearning if the second filter show any sign of dirt.
New fan clutch and belt.
New cam position sensors.
Change oil to 10w-30 after 3/4 tanks of gas use up - most of the fuel used up when it park in front of my house idloing while I work on it. Planning on going to thicker oil next time.

The truck feel like it is driveable now but I am still looking for thing I can do before I go to the professional. Hope this help you to get start on your's.