I need some help with my dealer. I have a 2002 supercrew with a 4.6. On cold start it makes a tapping ticking noise for about 10 -20 seconds. My dealer says this is normal, they all do this. I don't believe him. Any help from other owners appreciated.

 

ever get this problem resolved?

 

my fathers 97 f-150 with the 4.6 does it too, but his also has a valve tick at high rpm, i am thinkin that part of this is because over a period of time, that the valves will eventually get a little out of adjustment. another thing that you could think about, the valves on every vehicle in the world will tap a little when they are cold, untill the tolerances in the motor change, and close up a little. you just cant hear most of it. another thing, if the vehicle has a roller cam/rockers/lifeters, you will also hear a little more ticking than you normally would when it is cold, i hear a lot of noise in mine untill it is warmed up, but thatis also due to the fact that i have all of the above

 

loud 'er exhaust is the key

 

scary to me

 

Do the 4.6's have HLA's, hydraulic lash adjusters. my Mazda has those and when it sits for a while, or needs a oil change it does that for a few seconds, then it stops.
-Ryan

 

i think luv2ski "runn oft"

 

no they dont, they just have regular hydraulic cams, and lifters. no adjustments unless you pull off the valve covers. i cant remember if they have roller rockers, but i dont think they do, if im not mistaken. but one thing that i think is strange about those motors, is that they have 2, yes 2, distributors for when they overheat, they can shut down 4 of the cylinders. but what makes it cool, it is almost exactly like the set up on the top fuel dragsters that run dual magnetos in order to fire that HUGE fuel flow in the cylinders.