03 7.3 ticking issue

[cruizer]

Read through most of the posts on the ticking issue.

I'm getting an inconsistant ticking after warm up on my 03 7.3. No white smoke, lots of power, and the ticking goes away after idle. Almost sounds like a exhaust leak. Maybe it's normal. I don't know.

Just pulled a 15K load through the mountains in safe superchip tow mode, and I assure you I wasn't going at the rated speed limit. OODDLES of extra power. Zero problems and Zero codes.

So no ticking sound when cold, just when the unit is warm and only at idle.
What should I look for?

2003 F350 crew long box Lariat, 98K miles
4" Silverline Turbo back
S&B intake
and another $5K in goodies

[scheidt27]

mine only ticks when its cold. The ticking/knocking sound is due to the poor dead head style stock fuel system. It strarves the #8 cylinder for fuel. If you installed a nice regulated return system I bet it would cure your problem. ITP diesel is supposed to have about the best system out there

[koach]

did you ever find the problem to the inconsistent ticking? i ask because i'm ready to purchase an 02 with the same inconsistent tick at idle, warm engine, no smoke, lots of power. one thing i did notice is that you can't really hear it from the top of the engine, mostly from the passenger wheel well area. one mechanic mentioned that there might be something loose/broke in the starter (original 124k miles) that's allowing a piece to occassionally touch the flywheel??? thanks,

[BKraft03'7.3L]

mine does it as well never had any probs the 7.3L is a loud engine in general always has. more than likely injectors may play a factor. diesel kleen or 2 stroke oil in the fuel quites it down