Ticking Sound on '97 V8

[duke16]

I just upgraded from a 93 Explorer to the 97 5.0L V8 AWD after someone ran into my 93, totaling it. And I'm noticing a strange sound that seems to be coming from the engine, but could be coming through the exhaust or anywhere really. It sounds a little like what my 93 would do when it was going up a hill, under stress and such. However now with the 97 it's a lot more pronounced and happens when ever I step on the gas. It's a sort of ticking sound, rather loud. Does anyone have any idea what it could be?

 

[marragtop]

Sounds like it could be timing chain related. I'm sure others will have more knowledge than me.

 

[Explorer96xlt]

i have a pass. side manifold leak and it clicks like crazy under stress, or acceleration

once you get the engine warm does it go away a little bit?

 

[mvoeller]

The 5.0's don't have the timing chain problem like the 4.0 SOHC engines do. It's probably the exhaust manifolds. More than likely one is cracked or if it's like mine both sides are leaking. The 5.0's are notorious for cracking the headers.

 

[performancenut]

Agree with the exhaust manifold issue- usually the passenger side.

 

[james t]

Just about every 5 liter Explorer ever made has some type of exhaust manifold leak, usually on the passenger side. The manifold bolts were loose on mine causing the gasket to leak. Others have loose/broken EGR tubes or a cracked manifold itself. 99% sure your problem is an exhaust leak.

 

[duke16]

Is this something I need to get fixed right away? Is it causing any other problems besides the ticking?

 

[james t]

No, its more annoying than anything else.

 

[Explorer96xlt]

yeah the three exhaust shops i took it to said it just might cause the valves to burn out, so its not that big of a deal, its just an annoyance to me, i might end up getting mine fixed if i can get the money.

 

[h2osurf]

 

[timmac06]

I changed the egr tube on mine. It was pretty loud. I couldn't see it at first and thought it was my manifold but lucked out after further inspection. It's easy to change if you have big wrenches and double jointed fingers to get in there.

 

[duke16]

yeah the three exhaust shops i took it to said it just might cause the valves to burn out, so its not that big of a deal, its just an annoyance to me, i might end up getting mine fixed if i can get the money.

What's actually entailed in getting it fixed? Is it a costly project?

 

[james t]

If its the [exhaust manifold to head] gasket, its no big deal. Unbolt manifold, pull it back, peel old gasket off, slide new one on, bolt it back up and torque it down. You dont even have to remove the manifold and can leave it hooked up to the exhaust.