1996 Explorer 4 dr AWD 5.0 Ticking Noise

[Alaskakid87]

I apologize ahead of time about creating another thread about this ticking situation but I just need some opinions!!

Ok so on my explorer I have what seems to be a very loud ticking noise, Its really loud at idle low rpms, and it gets quieter the faster I go the noise has been the same since I purchased it last year in march and hasnt gotten any worse I know this is common on the 5.0's and most of them are with the header leaks.. Well I know my headers are leaking so that doesnt help, But with most of the people I have asked mechanic friends and myself it seems to be a lifter issue..

I am not sure what to do I want the noise to go away of course but I dont wanna replace every part just to check it off the list, So what I am asking is what would your opinions be tear it down to the valve covers and check the rods and lifters? or somehow figure out the header leaks? I know quite a bit about vehicles but my own has me stumped.. I am nothing short of replacing the engine with a used motor from a wrecking yard with 110k but would love to keep my original motor...

Please if anyone has any kind of advice let me know I do have a video of it on my phone and would upload it if I knew how..

 

[shadowless127]

Leaking exhaust manifolds aren't really noticable at idle (I say this having owned 3 second gens with leaky exhaust manifolds). It does sound like a lifter issue. What weight oil are you running?

Also if you decide to swap out the engine, make sure you swap it out for a newer GT-40P engine.

 

[ZWilson07]

Im in the same boat as you with my 2000.

Pull the valve covers and you will find out real quick if it is a lifter/rocker arm problem or if it is more than likely exhaust and/or egr tube problem.

 

[Alaskakid87]

Leaking exhaust manifolds aren't really noticable at idle (I say this having owned 3 second gens with leaky exhaust manifolds). It does sound like a lifter issue. What weight oil are you running?

Also if you decide to swap out the engine, make sure you swap it out for a newer GT-40P engine.

I am using 10-30 synthetic and even added a little bit of a heavier weight to see if it would quiet it down just a bit and it did just a hair. 10-30 seems to be perfect for this Alaskan weather.

 

[Alaskakid87]

Im in the same boat as you with my 2000.

Pull the valve covers and you will find out real quick if it is a lifter/rocker arm problem or if it is more than likely exhaust and/or egr tube problem.

Ok will do, I am gonna go get some prices on all of the stuff I need for my explorer today and when I get it tore down and get the lifter issue fixed where can I find some good headers to replace these? I think through the forum I have heard of torque monster? But are there any others? Thanks for the help guys

 

[shadowless127]

I am using 10-30 synthetic and even added a little bit of a heavier weight to see if it would quiet it down just a bit and it did just a hair. 10-30 seems to be perfect for this Alaskan weather.

If it improves with a heavier weight there's a good chance it's lifter related. If it was EGR or Leaky exhaust manifolds, the oil wouldn't change the behavior.

 

[ZWilson07]

Double Post.

 

[Flash]

With the valve cover off you'll hear if it's a lifter or rocker.
You can even put your finger on it to feel the click.

Feed some Seafoam into the engine, it won't fix a lifter tick but the smoke will reveal any exhaust leaks.
And you get decarbonised heads too.

 

[Alaskakid87]

With the valve cover off you'll hear if it's a lifter or rocker.
You can even put your finger on it to feel the click.

Feed some Seafoam into the engine, it won't fix a lifter tick but the smoke will reveal any exhaust leaks.
And you get decarbonised heads too.

Awesome will do thanks for the advice!!

 

[Turdle]

Depending on the leak, a leaking exhaust manifold can sound like a knocking internal part

I would say if the noise gets louder when you step on the gas pedal it is an exhaust leak.