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Posted my dilema earlier under Expedition section, and this morning under the 97+ trucks. Tore the valve cover off my truck to repair some noise. Was given some great info on how to remove and install the valve adjusters. Right now having a hard time identifing the culprit. Sounds like only one that's ticking. Figured I'd see some damage or I'd be able to find the excessive slop. Anyone had to diagnose similiar? Appreciate any assistance. THANKS!!
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With it running, use a mechanics stethescope to listen to each cam follower.
You sure it isn't a loose spark plug?

 

Tried to listen with valve cover off and no use. Too much oil flying too. Could very well be something other than valvetrain. Sounding more like an exhaust leak at times. What goes on with the plugs? They break or leak? Make a sound like a clattering? THANKS

 

2nd response that I've had about spark plugs. Anyone had one come loose after 100,000 miles. I still have my originals. Truck runs fine, no missing or anything. Did find a stud on the exhaust manifold that had rusted off. Used to hold starter cables. Going to check into fixing that, but everyone has me curious about the plugs now. Thanks!!

 

See reply in the 97-03 forum.

 

Thanks again!!

 

Wrestled that valve cover on and off (what a pain) for nothing. Found TWO broken exhaust manifold bolts. Both on the same port. Rear most passengers side. Almost sounds like a slapping as throttle is applied. Going to attempt getting these out. Probably try and get the inner fender out of the way. Hope it is easier and more worthwhile than my valve train exploring. Atleast I got to learn some stuff...the hard way.

 

Good luck on the stud repair.

 

Pulled the inner fender 1/2 out of the way. Had to do alot of heating to get all the manifold nuts and some studs out. Going to get a new gasket and some hardware. Maybe fixing the rusty leaky exhaust will get rid of what I thought to be valve train noise!

 

It probably will. The Ford replacement studs are stainless and should last forever.

 

DARN IT!! Just got back to my desk from picking up studs at NAPA. $10 for a kit to replace the head to manifold studs and nuts ( looks like the studs are galvanized ) $6 for two black oxide coated and brass nutted studs for pipe flange to manifolds. Gasket @ Autozone ( crappy NAPA store in the ghetto here didn't stock it ) Fel Pro 4 pc kit @ $9. It's all the little stuff that adds up...ALOT of elbow grease and then those prices are too expensive for the NAPA hardware, and that's with our shop acct. through my employer. $$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

In the future, to diagnose a tick:

1) If it ticks all the time, no matter how much you have your foot on (or off) the gas, it's a valve tick or some other mechanical valve-train-related noise.
2) If it ticks only when you're on the gas, or gets louder as you press the gas, it's exhaust.

 

THANKS!!! I do appreciate the advice and HELP from everyone!!

 

Glad it's over. Truck sounds LOTS better. Extremely disappointed in NAPAs crappy chinese hardware. Made a real pain out of reinstalling the manifold. $16.62 for the two stud kits that were JUNK! Go anywhere else, buy anything else. 1/2 the stuff would not thread together. Wrong size nuts in the pipe flange stud kit. Overpriced crap. Yep, I got mad at them and sent them an email stating it. But, when I list the truck for sale now, buyers won't think there is a problem. LOTS nicer LOTS quieter. THANKS for everyone's input and suggestions!

Wish I had know about the Ford SS kit an hour sooner.

 

Oh well, if ya ain't keepin' it, then you don't need the stainless I don't guess