Tick tick tick, and a gas smell to boot

[fordsRfun]

Okay...here we go. I have a 97 5.0 AWD and here are her sypmtoms. A gas odor upon start-up and a constant tick when she is running, it never stops even after it's warmed up. I know that I have a crack in my EGR tube and will need to replace that which may lessen the ticking. Could the ticking also be caused by a bad exhaust manifold? I am not sure if the fuel smell could be an intake manifold issue, a bad gasket or what. Bueller? Anyone?
I am trying to get my X all fixed up b4 I move to AK this summer! Thanks

 

[Turdle]

Well it's a pretty common problem. Check this thread

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=211443

 

[fordsRfun]

Not so sure

Well it's a pretty common problem. Check this thread

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=211443

Thanks JT. I have seen that thread before and was left wondering because my ticking does not stop at any time unlike the X discussed in that thread.