1999 Ford F-150 A loud ticking noise from engine area

KONIG

MEMBER
1999 FORD F-150
V8
4WD
MANUAL
92,000 MILES

I've always keep up to date with all my servicing. Ive owned the truck since new. My engine makes a ticking noise at low idle, 900-1400RPM. As soon as I bring the engine past 1400RPM the noise cant be heard due to the headers. As I drive along and my engine idle drops, my engine oil pressure gauge drops, I put the clutch in increase RPM's and the gauge goes back up. The noise is not getting worse, but dont want to wait for something bad to happen, IE locked engine. The engine runs great, no smoke, clean, but sounds like a rocker arm or a lifter, timing chain, ETC. I would like any help if possible with this. Ive been quoted $1700- 3900, to fix this problem, Iam a red seal heavy duty mechanic, but I dont work on gas engines.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

My concern is the oil pessure droping and then hearing the sound. What I would like you to do, is get a mechanical oil gauge. Many parts stores will lend or rent them. Remove the oil sending unit and plug the mechanical gauge into where the electric one came from. Check oil pressure at idle to confirm that there is an oil pressure problem. If there is, I would guess the oil pump screen is plugging or the pumpis going bad. A bad lifter is a bad lifter. If the pressure is low a good one will make noise too. Therefore, check that first and let me know what you find.

Keep in mind, if you have maintained the vehicle since new with regular oil changes, I would be more apt to think pump rather than lifter. Both the 4.6 and the 5.4 are great engines. THey may be hard on gas, but they will run a long time.

Let me know what you find.