Tapping or Ticking noise 2003 4.6 Mountaineer

[iivydriff]

This noise has been there for at least 30,000 miles it sounds bad and I just cant find the cause of it. Ive had some folks say its the torque converter it sounds just like a lifter tapping but it doesnt do it constantly. It only does it at about the time the transmission shifts. But it will do it in neural too under acceleration or hold the throttle steady. It sounds just like a lifter tap. The sound to me sounds like its coming from the front area of the cams. I was reading about stuck vct soleinoids in some models and they are right in that area and they can make a sound just like that. But as far as i know my model doesnt have them. I wish someone knew what the source of this noise was. Its driving me crazy. I replaced the timing chains and gears and and all new chain guides. Pulled the pan cleaned the screen. Replaced two lifters that were tapping. And put on a new intake. After being all over the engine the tap is still there just like it always was. Is there something similar to a vct solenoid for this model of 4.6? The torque converter does rattle for sure, but this tapping sounds like its in the front of the engine is it possible that this tap is radiating through the crankshaft and sounding like its in the front. Cause from underneath it sounds loud in the rear. SOmebody help me out.

 

[iivydriff]

could this be detonation? Spark Knock the motor also has a sound like marbles rolling around in a muffler all the time. i was thinking it was the torque converter but maybe not. What are some things i need to check LIke egr system?