2001 S Type V8- moderate to loud ticking sound in the engine (sounds like metal to metal contact). The ticking is constant, at idle or throttled. One mechanic thought it might be the #8 lifter spring?

One of the spark leads has come off or has chafed against something wearing away the insulation, thus the ticking sound, spark going elsewhere instead of the spark plug. Make sure the plug leads are secure and in good condition, make sure no water has entered the engine cyl head area

COULD BE ONE OF THE SPARK PLUGS BLEW OUT OF THE HOLE. THIS IS QUITE REGULAR WITH THIS MOTOR. A AUTO REPAIR FACILITY SHOULD BE ABLE TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM WITH OUT REMOVING THE CYLINDER HEAD.

i have a 2001 crown victoria was driving down hwy car made loud noise and shut off had it towed home got it started and has NO power almost couldnt get i in drive way, had been making a slite noise before that and bucking
for about 4 months in the last 3 weeks noise was getting louder. Was told could be timing chain how likely is this and how do i check it.

forget the boyfriend and take it to an accredited service center for a proper diagnosis and quote
knocks are big ends or mains , and ticks are hydraulic followers
all could be a bad cam but a proper diagnosis will make sure

Could be an exhaust leak..if it's a manifold leak it will sound almost like a metallic hammering sound.

sounds like the bearings in ac clutch are going- ac would still work ac compressor has own bearings- quick check- pull the serpintine belt off and using a large screwdriver wiggle the pulley/clutch on front of ac compressor- shouldn't move at all if good- if bad well.......

You are right about the connecting rod bearing being a possibilty. The smaller sound you hear could be the pistopn contacted the head, which can happen if the con-rod bearing has failed. If it were the flex plate, the sound would be coming from the rear of the engine and would change when you put the transission into drive.
If you have little money, you had better start saving. I would not even start the engine, Drain out the engine oil and check it for metal particles. You may have to remove the sump to really see what's going on, but the oil, if contaminated with fine metal is a good pointer.

You didn't say which model or engine.
Check for loose heat shields, broken engine or transmission mounts.

pcv valve i would think... one is metal ... the other is a hose ?

Robert

belt tensioner needs replacing