Is It A Lifter

My O1 F150 5.4 Suddenly Started Making A Tiking Sound. People Say I Dont Hear It But At Drive Thrus Up Against A Bldg You Hear The Tick To The Revs Of Motor. Once I Had A Similar Sound It Was Exhaust Man Gasket. Cant Really Find It But Its Close To Starter. Did Notice Today When I Started It Cold I Could Hear It In Wide Open Area Good. I Know This Is A Broad Area But Any Suggestions Would B Great. If Something Is Getting Ready To Go I Wanna Trade It First. It Is Running As Good As Ever So Theres No Power Loss Or Anything. Dave

Its dave again ive noticed the sound seems to be worse when engine is cold.Whether this is thick oil or exhaust metals shrink when cool dont know. Any ideas

5.4L the lifters are in the cyl head because it is a overhead cam engine. 5.4's have had troubles breaking the exhaust studs, check to see if any are missing. They just snap off! Look for black soot around the exhaust manifold where it meets the head. If that is present than you have a manifold leak. My brothers 5.4 just had to have the maniflold gaskets replaced.

Thanks for response had mine replaced 6 mos ago but ill check maybe it happend again