Hello,

I own a 1999 F-150 V6 4.2 and would like some help solving what sounds to be a chirping noise coming from the engine. Noise is pretty consistent at which occurs at first startup while in park, drive or reverse and definitely every time I hit the gas from a standstill. The noise is pretty faint but bothers me just enough to where I want to ask the experts. Anyway noise began roughly days after I washed down the motor. I sprayed some degreaser on it and was very careful - making sure to cover the fuse box, alternator and high flow k&n intake air filter. I stayed away from cables and just used a garden hose. Recently I had the lower idle pulley bearings replaced, serpentine belt and alternator. When I took to Ford for a new belt (it was old) and to inspect the chirping noise, they said # 6 spark plug was loose and that was the reason for the chirp (they called it a ticking noise). First of all how does a spark plug just come loose? They hand tightened it back and I drove the truck for less than a week then the noise was back. Any possibility this sounds like something specific that is wrong? My research says that it could be anything from the belt tensioner to the cam sychronizer to the heat shield around the cat converter. Thoughts? Thanks. -Dave

 

well, if a spark plug is loose in the hole I would concentrate on getting that repaired before if blows out........... Did the noise go away when they tightened it ? You might need a thread repair kit if it wont stay tight.

 

info on blown out spark plugs -------- different motor

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ew-a-plug.html