Odd ticking noise

[LesMinton]

hi all

I am getting this ticking noise under the hood 'somewhere'. It only happens when I am in drive and accelerating. If I am in the driveway giving it gas I do not get the noise. It sounds like when I was a kid and I would tape a playing card to my bike frame so that it would tick through the bike spokes.

I should note I have not noticed any performance issues related to this. And when I am cruising at highway speed, the ticking is not noticeable, only under acceleration.

I have a 2000 Explorer XLT with the 4.0. Any thoughts?

 

[chapsdeva]

Is is more of a clicking sound or does it sound like the engine is pinging (spark knocking)? If it's more of a clicking sound, my vote would be an exhaust manifold gasket leak. If it sounds like pinging and occurs between 2000 - 3000 RPMs it could be the "death rattle" (I assume you have the SOHC motor).

 

[LesMinton]

Is is more of a clicking sound or does it sound like the engine is pinging (spark knocking)? If it's more of a clicking sound, my vote would be an exhaust manifold gasket leak. If it sounds like pinging and occurs between 2000 - 3000 RPMs it could be the "death rattle" (I assume you have the SOHC motor).

Death rattle? That sounds bad... No it is more of a clicking sound, and a gasket would probably make sense, as I noticed today it got louder as I got into it getting onto the turnpike.

 

[sam_wren99]

when is the last time you checked your oil. Most cars when they get low on oil or is in need of oil changes you will get a tick sound, almost like the valves hitting the cover. The oil light doesn't necessarily come on until it is usually too late. I would look at this.

 

[LesMinton]

when is the last time you checked your oil. Most cars when they get low on oil or is in need of oil changes you will get a tick sound, almost like the valves hitting the cover. The oil light doesn't necessarily come on until it is usually too late. I would look at this.

Yeah, first thing I checked. Been there before, got the t-shirt. Its a different sound, it doesnt sound like valves.