engine tick

[rendrag]

We have a '99, 4.6 that has developed a tick. After many mechanics have looked at it, no one seems to have been able to diagnose the problem. Most feel it's in the lifter/valve area. Our mechanic has replaced some springs and adjusted the lifters and still it ticks(cold or hot, comes and goes). We are now looking at replacing the motor at 118km but hesitate to do so as we still owe for 3 years and are shocked at our recent trouble with the truck.
Any one else having a similar problem?
Our mechanic has found a 4.6 from a 2000 Crown Vic at 60,000km for a great price,we understand it is less powerful should we have concerns?

 

[rendrag]

after some research I found that the crown vic 4.6 is rated with the same hp.

 

[rwinch]

Why be so hasty?
Does the engine run? Does it burn oil? Does it still have power?
If your answers are Yes/No/Yes, then keep running it. Try using synthetic motor oil, and maybe go up a weight class (10W-30 instead of 5W-30).

In any case, get the most out of it before you change the motor. Then when/if you have to, drop in a 5.4, 'cause the 4.6 really isn't an engine the Expy should have in it.

 

[jimboh247]

I have heard that the cam timing chain can make a similar noise. Also, an exhaust leak at the maniford can make a tick. Just my 2 cents. If it's just a tick, I wouldn't freak out and replace the whole engine. That seems a little extreme.

 

[rendrag]

Thanks for your replies. I have tried thicker syn. oil with little affect and have looked for exhaust manifold leaks. As far as I know no one has considered the timing chain making the noise, I will look into that.
My wife and kids travel down country roads often in the truck so reliability is important to me.
One more thing, sometimes while driving ,the tick will get very loud and the truck will shudder almost as if you were driving over a washboard??

 

[tonlove1121]

i am going through same problem had lifters changed and some valve work still same problem 2000 expo i,m a little puzzled to ford can,t seem to pin point problem

 

[tonlove1121]

can anyone give me an idea what the 5.4 engine may run, just for later down the line i may swap only have 69,000 on my 4.6