Ticking Sounds from engine, 4.6L V8 Explorer - Video Inside

[Drewmcg]

This is the sound before replacing the driver side manifold, the passenger side has been replaced few weeks ago:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FHC3kEER5c

And this is after:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50Fp9dlpk80

I'll start a new thread with pictures and some hints soon.

Why did you replace the manifolds, rather than just the studs/gaskets? In other words, what made you conclude that your manifolds were defective?

 

[2009 Adrenalin]

Okay team, I've done some research on this and this apparently seems to be a VERY common problem across V8 engines in the Explorer and F-150s.

History: I noticed this around 40k miles and it has only gotten worse. It starts on a cold engine and goes away within about 60 seconds. Now, sometimes it stays very quietly into a hot engine and the ticking persists. I've had three separate shops look at it. Ford shops said it was normal. The non-Ford shop said it sounded terrible and sounded like a tapping/sticking valve, and could eventually cause engine failure. They suggested taking up a case with Ford corporate.

My research: My research suggests this may be cam phasers and a VCT sensor. Others have actually performed this fix to get rid of the ticking.

Based on the video below, has anyone in this forum had the same issue and found a confirmed fix, vs. speculation? I'm really trying to figure out what is causing this, and I'm amazed Ford hasn't offered a recall yet. My vehicle is now past the powertrain warranty, but this was noticed well within the warranty, and dismissed by Ford. Thanks for any help or advice on how to tackle this.

Engine ticks are not always manifold leaks. I had a minor tick in my engine for probably a year, thinking it was just a manifold leak. One day I pulled in to a drive thru drop off where I got out of my truck while it was still running and suddenly noticed a much louder noise. I assumed it was the same noise that had just gotten worse. It now sounded like a playing card in bicycle spokes (sorry for my weird description lol). I could now hear the new noise while driving, which was very concerning. So I got it in to a shop a couple days later and here's what they found. A cam follower had failed and chewed up a lobe of the cam. The exhaust manifold had no issues at all. They also replaced a belt, pulley and spark plugs. All in all it was about $1500 Canadian, before tax which I didn't think was too bad at all. I took it to a reliable mechanic I've known for years who owns his own shop, and I knew he was fully capable of doing engine work. For reference, this was on my 2009 ford explorer sport trac at 206,000 kilometers. This is the first major repair issue I've had with this vehicle.