[tweeters97]

sup fellas, i got a 97 cobra, my baby. i got a problem. i got this strange ticking noise coming from the engine bay. sounds like it might be an injector, but i can't tell. it only starts at certain rpm ranges and only while driving. a friend says it may be a valve ticking. please help i'm going nuts.

[Tony_90fox]

Could also be an exhaust leak...Get a piece of PVC pipe or some type of hollow tube and put one side on the engine somewhere and the other end next to your ear...Move the tube around until you pinpoint the location, and you should be able to figure out what is making the noise.

[Ryan Paymaster]

You could try the "simple" remedies first, including a basic tune-up.

Run Seafoam through the PCV and gas tank. Do a search on this if you are unsure how to do this, there is a ton of info on it. Change your spark plugs, fuel filter, etc. (Good idea to after Seafoam anyways. You don't HAVE to, however, it is a decent idea.)

That may just free something up. Seafoam can sometimes create a miracle, and through the tank could clean up your injector. Through the PCV could help out whatever else may be causing it.

I'm out of ideas after that short of taking it to your mechanic and asking him to diagnose it. Have you tried using an OBDII code reader and seeing if there is a code it is throwing? I know my car will throw codes without lighting up the CEL. Right now I have slow responding O2 sensors even though I just replaced them in March. The CEL doesn't show for this.

Good luck.

[Casper98GT]

Its normal for a 4.6 DOHC to make a ticking noise from the head. The SOHC's do it too but not as much. I have a TSB for it if youre interested. I have had to replace a bunch of heads for this concern. Wont cause problems, just an anoying noise.

[matted2thefloor]

Casper...when does the tick noise start in the RPM? I got a 96 2V that I'm thinking may be a piston pin rattling. Noise comes in at 3K and lasts until 3600 or so and is gone. Is more noticeable when the engine is cold. Was wondering if you could shoot me a copy of that bulletin. BTW...the noise is coming off of the passenger side. The engine is a 99 and has BBK LT headers and H. Thought that it may be the headers but not so sure anymore. It's not an exhaust leak!

[lefty88josh]

i have the same sound and i am now investing in a new shortblock((1345.00 with 500.00 core exchange) btw)) for my 97 gt, it was a rist pin and the rod bearing was ovaled just a hair... watch out if you drive hard you pay hard.... i am going for a lower compression by using my 97 heads with the new -18cc pistons in the new block and using a roots type blower running around 12 psi....................hell yeah hoping for 350-375 hp area so cross your fingers..

[matted2thefloor]

lefty...your motor still going? Or did it shit the bed? Mine is still going strong and something tells me that the piston pin is what is doing it. The guy I bought the car from seemed like he drove the snot out of it. He said he blew the original motor and thats why it has the PI in it. I think he was also shooting the juice to it ( the orig eng ) as well but have no real proof, hell, he may have been shooting this one too for all I know. I guess I'll have to keeps my fingers crossed and count all my luck stars that it holds for a while. Got home renovations to do before the heavy mods to the stang!

[Ryan Paymaster]

My motor actually makes a minor tick too. (96 Cobra) I wouldn't think much of it unless you feel like tearing down your 4v. I don't. As Casper98GT said it is probably common (taking his word for it and I believe it), and I wouldn't doubt if all 4v did this, hell, all motors probably have some noise. I have a 2000 Cougar that makes a really loud unique tick, but every Cougar I've been in has one similar. Do you have to listen pretty closely for yours? I don't even hear it unless I get out of the car and listen for it. Your car is probably fine, these motors are strong. Make sure you keep oil in her (they consume it) and it should last you a long time.


I'm also almost certain I have an exhaust leak at the header gasket on the passenger side. On really cold days I can definitely hear a loud leak in the cabin until the car warms up.

[tweeters97]

Initially i thought it might have been an exhaust leak but, an exhaust leak would be heard throughout th entire lower rpm ranges if not higher rpms. Thanks I'll check it out anyway.

[tweeters97]

How do you run the seafoam through the pcv, and how will that affect the block/

[tweeters97]

Originally Posted by Casper98GT Its normal for a 4.6 DOHC to make a ticking noise from the head. The SOHC's do it too but not as much. I have a TSB for it if youre interested. I have had to replace a bunch of heads for this concern. Wont cause problems, just an anoying noise.

How much for the TSB, and what kind is it?

[Casper98GT]

Running seafoam through the PCV wont get to the block. It will run through youre intake system and then run out the exhaust. Just remove the pcv valve when the car is running, then SLOWLY so the car doesnt stall, pour it in. Make sure youre not in a public area because LOTS of smoke will come out of youre exhaust. Its normal and dont get scared.

ALso i can charge money for tsbs ??

I usually give them away for free. Here:

[G.T. Rags]

i've got an annoying ticking noise as well..........

it doesn't change patterns, just seams to go away past a certain rpm.......

[tweeters97]

wtf! does anyone actually know where these ticks are coming from and what is the closest possible remedy? i'm thinking we are all talking about different areas of the engines. i think if we can isolate each area where the ticking is coming from, we may be able to map out possible causes and solutions. any ideas how we can elaborate on this? hit me back pony lovers.

[Casper98GT]

if i owned youre car i could tell you what it is......Its impossible to tell you what youre problem is over the internet