Since I bought my 05 used a couple months ago, I've noticed the engine ticks from time to time. Is it common for this engine have noticeable valve train noise during idle-I've only noticed it when it's warmed up.

 

valves sticking maybe?

 

is it valves? There won't be rocker ticks....since there is no rockers or pushrods. Can you pin point as to where the sound is coming from? Is it possibly a rattle coming from a bad throwout bearing? Mine only does it when it's warm.

 

I haven't tried to pin point it, but I thought I'd read somewhere that the valvetrain was noisy on these SOHC engines.

 

If it's only present after the oil warms up.. it's most likely the valve train. Possibly the chain.

Pay attention to this also:
Does it do it worse after a oil change?
Does it get better when the oil has 5k+ miles on it?

Do you run a full synthetic oil?


btw, Yes an OHC motor has rockers. They have lifters too.

Rich

 

I have only put about 2000 miles on it since I bought it, so I'm kinda waiting to see if putting in Motorcraft 5W-20 will improve the noise. I'm not sure if the Ford dealer used Motorcraft oil when they changed it or Valvoline (it has the Ford dealer sticker, but says Valvoline at the top of it).

 

Matt take my advice for what it's worth (I'm a OEM engineer w/drivetrain experience and build my own engines)

Once a modern motor has 10k miles on it. Run a 10w-30 oil. Yes it'll cost you 0.25 to 0.5mpg but it solves almost every noise you'll ever have.
Piston slap, chains, lifters, ect..

I bought my 06 new, changed the oil with 5w-20 the first time, then went straight to 10w-30 mobil 1 once I started hearing the slightest of noises. (which are normal as the engine wears)

I'm now at 35k and it's got a slight valve train or chain noise once the oil warms up. But this is normal. Even when the motor gets real hot (towing the boat up a mountian) it never gets any louder. And i'm pretty sure that 99% of people would never notice. I'm just **** that way.

Rich

 

I've always thought 5W-20 seemed too thin, but went ahead and used it since Ford recommends it. It's good to know some of this engine noise is normal. I guess I'm spoiled by the Mach 1's 4.6L DOHC engine-it's extremely smooth!

 

It could be the fuel injectors, mine are noisy.

 

My S/C, Nitroused, and cammed 5.4L is *not* smooth. But that's how I like to roll.

Rich

 

What's it in??

 

I've tried to use as many of the stock parts as is possible. But...

Eagle did the crank, Livernois balanced my rotating assembly and prepped the block. Mod max rods, Diamond forged pistons, high grade wrist pins and all balanced by me personlly. Fox lake CNC'd the heads, Ferrea SS oversized valves, Comp Cams (278 S/C & nitrous spec) Manly springs, steel chain guides, ARP studs ect...and I'm doing all the assembly.

I've also engineered the nitrous system for it and have the engineering prototype on my motor.

http://www.racetested.com/product_in...roducts_id=140

http://www.racetested.com/gallery_lightning_DP.php


Rich

 

So is this in a Lightning?

 

Yep, I bought it new in 2002. It's silver and has about 30k on it. Motor is out and on the stand. Hopefully I'll get it on the road this year.
I've been out of state for three months now though. (still am)

Best ET with the stock motor was a 11.70 @ 115mph. (4LB lower, ported blower, and a 100shot ramped up for 1/2 a second)

Rich

 

My truck has a low tick all the time but im pretty sure its just the cam rotating.. is that possible?? it comes from the very top of the motor..