2006 Grand Marquis - Ticking noise?

I am looking at a '06 Grand Marquis to buy. It is literally a "little old lady" car. She is 87 years old and has stopped driving at the behest of her family. Car is in pristine shape except for the bumper covers which need refinishing. She obviously uses them as a guide when parking. Car has 41,000 miles and has brand new tires. I drove the car and it drives out fine.

Problem is I hear what sounds like a valve tick coming from the motor. I used a steel rod from the valve covers to my ear and it doesn't seem to be coming from valve train(internal motor). I tried it with the A/C on and also off and the noise didn't change so I am ruling out A/C compressor.

I'm wondering if it could be Alternator or water pump?? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. The womans son says to the best of his knowledge it has always sounded this way. Do these Ford V-8s sound this way or do they run quiet/smooth? Thanks for your input.

Some of the injectors will tick on these engines. Does the ticking change with engine speed? The drive belt can also cause a ticking noise, so can the tensioners. If the price is in your favor, it could last a long tome with the tick. Listen close at the front of the engine to see if it might be a timing chain slap. Check the oil and look for any small aluminum bits in it. If there is, it probably is the timing chain tensioners weak allowing the chain to hit the cover.

Thanks Hillbilly. Your ideas seem good to me. I have made an offer on the car and if they accept it I will take it to my mechanic to check out the drive belt and tensioners before I complete purchase.

I let you know what happens.