sounds like the timing chain guides and tensioners are worn need to be replaced right away. I have an 02 expedition 4.6 liter and it caused the oil pump to fail which siezed the motor.
cv joint
Noise is common from any engine, the TYPE of noise is what you should worry about. Is it a knocking noise? hum? squeak? rattle?
If the engine has a knocking sound like someone hitting something with a hammer then it could be a rod bearing. It is best to have it looked at right away. It may require a complete engine rebuild.
Knocking is usually associated with worn main and rod bearings.
A forgotten tool maybe ? Or a stone .
Ford 4.6L Engine Ford 5.4L Engine From any 1997 & Up, F-150 or any 1997 & Up Navigator.
Definitely the sway bar links. Ford uses plastic for the joints.
My girlfriend's 1995 Escort made a funny knocking/grinding/chirping noise from the back part of the engine. The motor mounts were loose and the problem was solved after they were tightened.
you might check the water pump before you do anything else.remove fan belt and check to see if there is substantial movement in pulley wheel and/or shaft on water pump. if this is not the problem, you have overheated engine and damaged bearings inside, which is where the knocking comes from
It may be a bad valve or piston, use an automotive stethoscope to track down the noise and I think you might find the noise comes from the intake manifold Ford is having a problem with the intake manifolds on Windstars and some other Ford vehicles, the internal baffle loosens and makes a knocking sound as it is moved by airflow. You will need to replace the upper intake manifold with a corrected part from Ford.
a lifter
rear a/c blend door actuator bad [broken plastic gear]