+1 on check the torque your spark plugs (11 foot-pounds) and oil.
Recommend getting an oil filter cutter. Inspect the oil filter looking for metal on the filter element. If found, this will signal something bad about to happen.
My Son's 2005 F150 started with a tick before dropping a valve. Turned out to be a lifter. However, the evidence was in the oil filter before it actually failed. Would have been a lot easier to fix before the valve dropped (head job/lifter replacement vs new engine).
There is a TSB that might apply here (doubtful as TSB describes tick at idle). The TSB is interesting as it includes other things to check that may cause the tick.
Article No.
03-25-6
12/22/03
ENGINE - ROMEO BUILT 4.6L 2V - TICK NOISE FROM ENGINE - ENGINES BUILT BEFORE 9/17/2003
FORD:
2001-2004 CROWN VICTORIA, MUSTANG, E SERIES, EXPEDITION, F-150
2002-2004 EXPLORER
LINCOLN:
2001-2004 TOWN CAR
MERCURY:
2001-2004 GRAND MARQUIS
2002-2004 MOUNTAINEER
This article supersedes TSB 03-16-4 to update the engine, engine build date and part numbers.
ISSUE
Some vehicles, equipped with the Romeo built 4.6L 2V engine, with an "ENGINE BUILD DATE" prior to 9/17/2003 may exhibit an engine tick noise that is present at all temperatures during idle. The noise may be emanating from the valve guide area in the cylinder head. The noise may be more prevalent in the front wheel well area and may not be heard with the hood open.
ACTION
Follow the Service Procedure listed in this article to properly evaluate/diagnose the vehicle condition.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
NOTE THIS ARTICLE APPLIES ONLY TO VEHICLES WITH A "ROMEO ENGINE" BUILT BEFORE 9/17/2003 (ENGINE BUILD DATE NOT VEHICLE BUILD DATE). THE ENGINE BUILD DATE IS TYPICALLY FOUND ON THE ENGINE LABEL LOCATED ON THE VALVE COVER.
1. Verify the source of the noise by placing a stethoscope on the back of the cylinder head near the exhaust ports.
2. Verify that the noise is heard in the exhaust system (in the wheel well or catalytic converter area, from underneath the vehicle).
3. Verify that there are no exhaust manifold leaks.
4. Verify that the tick noise is still present when canceling each cylinder, by unplugging the injectors one at a time.
5. Check to make sure that the camshaft spacers are in place. If not, install cam spacers (per Workshop Manual Section 303-01) and retest vehicle.
6. Check for proper cam sprocket bolt torque, re-torque to specification (per Workshop Manual Section 303-01).
7. Check hydraulic lash adjusters for a possible "spongy" condition (refer to Workshop Manual Section 303-00).
8. Verify that the timing chain tensioner pin has been removed.
If the above diagnostics do not eliminate the noise while the cylinders are cancelled, replace the cylinder head and cam assembly with Part Number 4L3Z-6049-AA (RH) or 4L3Z-6049-BA (LH). Refer to Workshop Manual Section 303-01 for cylinder head replacement procedures.
NOTE THE REPLACEMENT CYLINDER HEAD WILL NOT IMPROVE OR REDUCE PERFORMANCE.
