Pinpoint Test B: Engine Ticking Noise
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Pickup, 2004 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2004 Ford F450 Super Duty, 2004 Ford Excursion, and 2004 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- B1 CHECK FOR TICKING NOISE AT THE FUEL RAIL
- Disconnect the first fuel line clip.
- Is the ticking noise gone?
- Yes : CHECK for TSB for applicable vehicle. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
- No :GO to B2.
- B2 CHECK FOR TICKING NOISE AT THE FUEL INJECTOR
- Using an EngineEAR, listen at the fuel injectors by placing a probe on each injector. To isolate the faulty injector, disconnect the injector electrical connector and listen for the noise.
- Is the fuel injector the source of the ticking noise?
- Yes : INSTALL a new fuel injector. Refer to SUPPLY MANIFOLD for 5.4L engines, FUEL INJECTION SUPPLY MANIFOLD for 6.8L engines or FUEL INJECTORS -- EARLY BUILD or FUEL INJECTORS -- LATE BUILD for 6.0L engines. TEST the system for normal operation.
- No :GO to B3.
- B3 CHECK THE BELT TENSIONER FOR TICKING NOISE
- Inspect the accessory drive. Check for the belt tensioner bottoming at end of travel or not at end of stroke.
- Using an EngineEAR, listen at the belt tensioner.
- Is the belt tensioner the source of the noise?
- Yes : INSTALL a new belt tensioner. TEST the system for normal operation.
- No :GO to B4.
- B4 CHECK THE WATER PUMP FOR TICKING NOISE
- Using an EngineEAR, listen at the water pump for ticking noise.
- Is the water pump the source of the noise?
- Yes : INSTALL a new water pump. Refer to ENGINE COOLING . TEST the system for normal operation.
- No :GO to B5.
- B5 CHECK FOR AN OBSTRUCTION OF THE COOLING FAN
- Inspect the cooling fan for obstructions.
- Check the cooling fan and shroud for wear or damage.
- Was there an obstruction or does the cooling fan show signs of damage?
- Yes : REPAIR or INSTALL a new cooling fan. Refer to ENGINE COOLING . TEST the system for normal operation.
- No :GO to B6.
- B6 CHECK THE OIL PUMP FOR TICKING NOISE
- Check the oil pump using EngineEARs and probe at the oil filter adapter to verify the oil pump as a source.
- Is the oil pump the source of the noise?
- Yes : INSTALL a new oil pump. REFER to ENGINE - 5.4L (2V) , ENGINE - 6.8L or ENGINE - 6.0L DIESEL . TEST the system for normal operation.
- No :GO to B7.
- B7 CHECK VALVE LIFTERS OR LASH ADJUSTERS FOR CORRECT OPERATION
- Check valve lifter/lash adjuster for correct operation, using EngineEARs.
- Are the valve lifters/lash adjusters operating correctly?
- Yes : VERIFY customer concern. CONDUCT a diagnosis of other suspect components.
- No :INSTALL a new valve lifter/lash adjuster(s). REFER to ENGINE - 5.4L (2V) , ENGINE - 6.8L or ENGINE - 6.0L DIESEL . TEST the system for normal operation.