New Ticking, Clattering Noise When Idling. Impending Explosure?

[legoms013]

Just in the past three weeks my truck has developed a "ticking", or "clatter" type noise when idling, after the motor has be thoroughly warmed up. I dont notice it when the initial startup is made, but after I arrive at my destination I do. IMHO anything that makes this kind of noise can't go unnoticed as it just doesn't sound "right". This noise also goes away above idling never to be heard again until the RPM's drop back down.

I cannot discreetly hear this noise from above the motor when the hood is open, and it is more pronounced when I am beneath the motor on my creeper. Seems louder on the right side of the vehicle also.

I use 10w-30 valvoline synthetic. Miles are at 192,xxx. Might some SeaFoam help?

Forgive me for my newbishness, but from what I've searched it sounds (no pun) like it could be a lifter, valve, or injector problem of some sort? Im more of a suspension type person and motor stuff is beyond me....willing to learn tho.

Thanks

 

[bigjerm]

that sounds just like my issue. I've been told the same things, lifter, fuel injector...maybe a timing chain ready to blast. here's a clip of mine..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXLpdgMvn00

 

[SoLongStang9499]

If your motor sounds similar to Bigjerms video, it is more then likely worn out pushrods. The Lifters get good oil supply, but the mating surface of the pushrod to rocker gets horrible oil supply, on top of the fact that the pushrods are completely solid! This results in premature wear, and when the lash gets large enough, it will make an audible sound. They arent too hard to replace if you feel inclined, but if this is a work truck i would just turn the radio up more, it really isnt anything to worry about

 

[bigjerm]

mines a SoHc......I'm currently using the stereo method when it's bad though, luckily I've got an amp....I don't know though, it's pretty freakin loud

 

[legoms013]

Mines the OHV. And I cant here it in the cab even with the radio off. But if im at a stop light next to a wall or k-rail setup I can hear it pretty well with the windows down.

So if I can get past the noise, is it really a problem worth fretting about? I mean one day I might feel so inclined to fix it, but not right now if I don't have to. Seems to "run" just fine as always.

 

[BOL]

wow. I have the same issue in my 91. I have been told " Fords always make that noise" hmmmm... I don't think it shoulkd though. Keep posted on any attempts to cure .

 

[Sevensecondsuv]

If it's only at idle when warmed up, I would guess oil pressure problem. If the pressure gets low enough, the lifters collapse and you get lots of play in the valve train, which makes noise. As soon as the engine speeds up, oil pressure climbs, and everything is good again.

Low oil pressure usually requires an engine rebuild to fix.

 

[SoLongStang9499]

If he was getting low enough pressure to have the lifters collaspe enough to make an audible sound, then there is something horribly wrong. I Still think its your pushrods man i replaced mine with only 88k on the truck. Even more so if the noise is on your passenger side near the fenderwell i can almost guarentee its a pushrod on that bank. For some reason the pushrods on the drivers side head were in great shape and had alot more oil stain then the passenger side head, why this is i really dont know. But when i did the research about this like you are, 95% of the time the noise you describe is worn out pushrods, and almost always the passenger side ones.

 

[bigjerm]

As for mine, I'm pretty*sure Ive got oil pressure, at least that's what the gauge says. This guy thinks it's a lifter.

 

[BOL]

mine seems to be "ticking" on the driver's side. What is involved in replacing rods?

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

If he was getting low enough pressure to have the lifters collaspe enough to make an audible sound, then there is something horribly wrong. I Still think its your pushrods man i replaced mine with only 88k on the truck. Even more so if the noise is on your passenger side near the fenderwell i can almost guarentee its a pushrod on that bank. For some reason the pushrods on the drivers side head were in great shape and had alot more oil stain then the passenger side head, why this is i really dont know. But when i did the research about this like you are, 95% of the time the noise you describe is worn out pushrods, and almost always the passenger side ones.

He doesn't have pushrods, his 4.0L is the SOHC.

Could be timing chain tensioners making noise.

 

[bigjerm]

A mechanic with stethoscope is pretty confident I've got lifter noise. Really hope it's not the timing chain for me.

 

[289-tiger-]

Don't idle your 4.0 from start to stop for less than 5 minutes cold and you will not hear the rattle on restart. Can't explain. (sounds like the rods will leave the vehicle)