When I first crank up the truck, even if I only went into a store for 30 minutes there is a metal on metal tapping sound. It sounds like the lifters are tapping but it goes away when I drive and get the revs up. Yes I've looked for the midget and I have found some half eaten sandwiches and a few magazines specifically for "little people" but I don't see any reason they would do it so it must be the lifters right? It has a clack clack sound, and does go faster when revved so it's in the motor for sure. I run full synthetic, but have added some lucas about 3 months ago and it did nothing at all. Should I set midget traps or something else? Should I wait until tomorrow morning and get a video of it and post it up?

 

Both my EX and my chevy 350 do that on a cold start. I have convinced myself it's not unusual and no big deal.

 

My '05 Crown Vic did that... my Ex does it too. I was told it was the sound of exhaust manifold leak.

 

Oh yay... So new studs or a full manifold removal?

 

The correct term is little people.. I would check your manifold studs..

 

I never got it fixed...

 

Will I get anything from swapping these in? http://www.ebay.com/itm/RACING-SS-MANIFOLD-HEADER-EXHAUST-97-03-FORD-F150-F-150-F250-EXPEDITION-V8-5-4L-/200996686433?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ecc560a61&vxp=mtr
It's just I would rather swap some headers on and wrap them if it will do anything since I'm already down there. I know I won't get the 100HP they claim but if it'll help any at all it would be great!

Plan on using something like this if that is the problem.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Long-Tube-Mustang-2v-3v-4v-4-6L-SOHC-5-4L-DOHC-Mustang-F150-Header-Bolt-Kit-Zinc-/271334090572?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f2cc5a74c&vxp=mtr

 

Nope you wont gain anything aside from the cool factor, There are quite a few guys on the super duty forum that have done them on the 5.4 and they say they noticed no change in power...

 

Yes broke, possible black eye from wife, I'm sure I can come up with more

 

Not so fast, you need to find out what it is first. A noisy lifter, exhaust leak, an oil filter missing the drain back valve, one with a leaking drain back valve, and a spark plug about to blow out all sound about the same. Pop the hood, get a short piece of hose, and prod around until you find the source. People have just replaced a stud while on the engine also which is a bit less than doing headers. You might gain 1 or 2 HP at 5000 rpm with the headers but you wouldn't notice it.........
Maybe a time bomb, do your neighbors like you?

 

Well damn. I'll get a video up in the morning and my long screwdriver and try to locate the sound. Hopefully it'll be an easy fix

 

Shortie headers are worthless. Do long tubes or stay factory

Agree that you need to find the source first though

 

Yeah, the long tube are around a grand so that ain't happening. I'll throw that money in the diesel X fund before I do that

 

Actually mine was ticking this morning so we might have a joint thread going soon.

 

Oh God it's spreading!