"Valve Train" Noise in 5.4L
 

How many of you have what sounds like valve train noise with your 5.4L? Zach and I had a discussion on this a couple months ago, and he said his 5.4L did the same thing. A friend of ours from church works at the Ford dealer, and he said mine sounded exactly like his 2010 F-150 with the 5.4L. Mine is quite when it cold, but you can hear the "ticking" noise when it gets hot. Other than the noise, it runs very smooth.

check out this video, it should help you figure out what noise youre hearing.

click this link: http://www.flatratetech.com/index.php?categoryid=4

than scroll down and click on the "5.4 VCT Theory & Operation" video. its boring but pretty informative and should explain the noises youre hearing.

Great link Patrick!!

From the sound examples, my noises are normal.

There is also a section on the procedure for changing spark plugs on the 5.4L!

I didn't watch the video, but mine has done it since I bought it too. Pretty typical of the 5.4L as I understand.

Yeah I thought the noise was typical so I didn't think anything about it.

It is. Mine did it and was pretty consistent. Never really bothered me though. btw after owning a diesel i probably wouldnt even notice it.

Mine does the same thing. I had the dealer look at it while my transmission was being replaced, and they said that it was normal sounding to them. The noise doesn't seem to get any worse or better with temperature or changes in oil viscosity, so I don't believe its mechanical wear.

Cam Phazers....and if it starts to get louder, change them.

Hmm, interesting. Never really noticed. I'll have to check now.

Mine's always made those noises.... among other ones!

yeah, i have some sort of ticking noise under the hood, but last time i was at the dealer getting the battery replaced, i had them look at it, and the guy said all he heard was a possible exhaust leak.. everything else sounded normal. but i do have a sort of 'ticking' noise, its not as bad as my soon-to-be father in-laws 98. his is HORRIBLE.

5.4 engine noise 245.344 miles
 

i have an f 150 super crew with 245344 + plus miles on it i have the normal ticking noises but in the past week or so i have another ticking coming from the right side of the engine it sounds like a bad lifter or something it is getting so loud that a few people have said is that a diesel in that thing any thoughts on my problem it still runs great i put in some oil additive but no change should i be worried im hoping for 350,000 miles like my 01 f 150 had its all highway miles i also have a strange noise it sounds like an exhaust leak when i start my truck for about the firsr 2 minutes then it gets quieter . thanks for any help ..:sad2:

Sounds like you might have a cracked exhaust manifold. You can get a mechanics stethoscope and use that to pin point the noise at the manifold and the valve train.

Mine is doing the same thing...kinda loud tapping or clacking or whatever you want to call it at start up and it get's quieter once the oil gets circulating and the engine warms up. But never stops. If you are running a steady speed you normally can't really hear it, but it's there. I took it to a local shop and they told me it's the VCT phaser on the passenger side. They want' $650 to fix it...I'll let you know if it works. It's confusing me becasue the Ford Tech Bulletin says that it should run rough and not make a nosie at start up....mine runs GREAT. No misses or rough idle. But I noticed the noise has been getting louder over the past 10k miles or so...it has 91k on it as of this morning. :sad2:

I had a ticking noise in the top end that was progressively getting worse. I decided to start my search to cure it with a spark plug change. geared up to handle the serious task that most have with this engine soaked the plugs and then prepared to hear the screeching sound that everyone can hear on multiple YouTube videos only to find that my spark plugs were about to fall out on their own. 5 out of 8 were barely hand tight. Replaced all 8 plugs adding never seize and dielectric grease. Luckily my top end noise is now gone and my lost fuel economy has been found. Remember don't always assume the worst. Start with the most obvious