Duratec Goes Ticka-Ticka-Ticka

The more people I talk to the more seem to tell me that ticking sound from my 2002 Duratec is normal. Just a charming feature of 24 valves? Could that have anything to do w/ me using Mobil 1?

I have a 97 Sable with the Duratec and 120k miles that is almost silent while running. I have to assume that your oil level is good. Does the ticking get louder or stronger when you accelerate or does it seem to quiet down? If it gets quieter when you accelerate you may have weak oil pressure at an idle. I've never used synthetic oil so I can't comment on the Mobil 1.

duratecs like 5W30, heavier oils don't coat the valvetrain throughly at idle.

I use Mobil 1 5W/30 and the oil level is ok. I notice the ticking noise at idle and can not tell if it increases or not once the vehicle is moving.