Hey everyone. This past August I replaced a tired 5.0L in my 1992 F150 with a remanufactured long block. All went well and it started right up. Its been driving great with many oil changes with conventional oil, per the engine company's recommendations.

At the 4000 mile mark, I switched to synthetic oil, as suggested from the company. I was using Valvoline Premium Conventional 10W-30 up until then without a problem. Once the switch was made to Penzoil Full Synthetic 10W-30 I noticed a a slight top end ticking. We had a wicked cold spell here in Jersey that we aren't really used to. It went into the low single digits and sometimes lower than that. During this cold spell the ticking was worse. I also noticed a slight oil leak that I haven't been able to trace let. It drips a small spot from the TTB right in front of the oil pan over night.

Last night I was doing some work and had to remove the distributor for room. It was reinstalled properly and the timing set to 14 degrees. I also did an oil change back to the Valvoline Conventional hoping that would get rid of the ticking and oil drip. I need to give it more time to check for the oil leak, but the ticking is still present

Did I really screw up this new engine by switching to synthetic too soon? What could be causing the ticking? What should I look into next?