I don't know what the clicking is. My engine began a ticking noise recently. I was told it could be the cam phasers. I am not knowledgeable with automotive stuff. When i google it, it can be between $200-$2000 for cam phaser work. Just has me worried as I'm pretty broke. Is the clicking just the chain that needs some tightening or something? I don't want my engine to blow up, but it has me scared enough to want to share a ride. Any help is appreciated. Hoping someone can diagnose it. I don't have any video or audio, but I can try tomorrow.

I don't know if this is applicable to your vehicle or engine , but this video explains a lot of what may be going on. Video run time : 7:31



Also , unfortunately , this is a job I would not recommend to someone with limited auto repair experience to tackle as it is more to intermediate to advanced skill level.

5.2 Triton? Mine went. The mechanic changed the oil to a diesel engine oil and it fix it for a week or so. Slowly came back louder and louder over a few days. Kinda sounds like a diesel when idling at a red light, the almost goes away under load? Phasers. Mine was 1800CA and do both while the front of the engine is apart, some guys only fix the one that’s faulty. That problem shoulda been a (This word is unacceptable on Trapperman) recall, engineering problem.
It’s so common in those Tritons (2005-2012 or so?), that there’s guys that specialize in it and can do it pretty quick for cheap.

My mechanic told me most people don't even fix it. Doesn't hurt anything, it's just a ticking noise.

You probably have the 5.4L 3V. Here's a link to an independent Ford technician that explains the situation. He has plenty of information in other videos concerning the problem.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkkCzUVme_Y


It appears that many of the Ford engines have timing chain assembly problems, most due to oil pumps not supplying enough oil pressure causing pre-mature wear.

I got rid of my 2010 F150 after investigating into these problems. Ford knows about it, doesn't seem interested in correcting the problem or could have done it years ago.

On those engines, if it's ticking then the damage is pretty much done.
I had a VCT selonoid going bad, had the ticking noise, within a thousand miles the timing chain had ate through the tensioners and started chewing itself up.