4.0L ticking

post5204 · 06-10-2008, 07:04 PM

i've owned 2 ford 4.0L motors. one in a 94 ranger and the other in a 94 explorer. and i know others who have had the same motor, and they have always run great except for a ticking noise. does anyone know what causes it or how to get rid of it? or does anyone have any suggestions of what to check? i've always known these motors to run forever so i'm not worried about it blowing up. my brother had a 91 explorer with well over 300k on it and its still running strong. just want to get rid of the ticking noise because it can get annoying at times. any help or input is appreciated. thanks

rwperkinsjr · 09-05-2008, 02:37 PM

I have a '99 Exploder that has, and has had the same ticking you describe for over a year now. It is intermittent so it comes and goes when it wants to. It does it when it is cold or warm but doesn't do it at other times.

So I need to bump this thread in hopes someone can give us an answer on what this dang tick is. It sounds like it is in the left bank (driver side) valve cover area. It sounds like it is towards the front of the motor but it also seems to move around, which I know it doesn't but I can hear it just as loud from top or bottom but is defiantly in the left bank.

It does not cause power loss, missing or any problems other than people look at my explorer like it is a piece of crap and look at me like I am stupid and need to repair my ride.

I have taken to the local ASE Mechanic and he doesn't know what it is either. I have obviously researched a little on the net and read it could be a valve lash? or the timing chain. As it is intermittent I would have to think the former is true. A timing chain would constantly make the noise correct? So I am thinking sticky valve lash but I want a second opinion from someone that might have had this problem and fixed it.

I guess I will try to flush the engine with some ATF, Kerosene or diesel and see what that does.

BikerGeek · 09-05-2008, 06:28 PM

I've heard that the rods can mushroom slightly at the base over time making it hard for oil to enter the cup and cause this sort of ticking sound.

theoldwizard · 09-06-2008, 06:04 AM

Are those pushrod engines ? Could be a sticky lifter. If SOHC, is there a hydraulic lash adjuster (modular V8s have them). It could stick also.

Flushing your engine with ATF or kerosene or diesel might be that last thing that engine ever does !