[kromestatus]

I have a 2004 Mustang convertible 3.8L V6 and for a few months now I have had a kind of clicking noise right when I start up my car or when my engine is cold and it usually lasts about 3-4 minutes then goes away. I have been told 3 different things from 3 different people but they are just assumptions.

1) "There is nothing wrong with your Mustang, they tend to make that noise".... ROFL!!
- Certified mechanic

2) "It could either be your lifter is bad/sticking or there is an exhaust/manifold leak is my guess, but that is definitely not normal"
- Retired Mechanic (Neighbor)

3) "When I was working on your brakes I noticed a crack in your exhaust manifold. I would recommend getting it fixed soon so it doesn't get worse or you could probably pick a used one up at the junkyard for not too expensive"
- Another Certified Mechanic who did my brakes

So I attached a video to youtube and some images to my engine so if anyone has any idea let me know

The sound inst that great but listen really closely around 52-54 seconds and you'll hear the clicking pretty well.


VIDEO

YouTube - 2004 Mustang - Engine Clicking

YouTube - 2004 Mustang - Engine Clicking

IMAGES
Imageshack - imag0274o.jpg
Imageshack - imag0281j.jpg
Imageshack - imag0284k.jpg

[mcqueen]

A combo of 1 and 2 is possible. Ticking is a noise that our cars tend to make and I believe the most common cause (internally) is the lifters sticking. Not a huge deal, I believe removing a quart of oil and replacing it with a quart of auto tranny fluid can help lubricate them better.

A 2 and 3 are likely. Our cars are notorious for having cracked exhaust manifolds. When exhaust gases are escaping, they tend to make a ticking noise.

I recommend turning on your car, popping the hood, and listening very carefully to figure out where the noise is coming from. If it's the exhaust manifold, get it welded. If it's the lifters, buy some auto tranny fluid.

[JJH]

I have an 04 v6 as well, mine does the same thing but goes away, I haven't had any issues,I just think that's how they idle when started.

[Lumoon]

On your next oil change add a small container of motorkote to the oil. If its a lifter sticking the Motorkote will lubricate it better than the auto tranny fluid will and will fix it. If its more of a periodic hiss than a tick its a leak in ur passenger side exhaust manifold. have repaired, and install an AC drip line on ur ac system to prevent this from occuring again.

[Unavailable]

Most likely number 3. Happened to my 04 3.9 and just had it repaired a month and a half ago.

[shipwreck_98]

Its the exhaust manifold, the crack is small now and the only way to really see it is if you take it off and inspect it. It will eventually get worse, but it will always sound awful on startup and go away after idleling for a few minutes. Then it will get worse when you step on the gas.
Its an easy fix, new manifolds arent that expensive.

[whyxitx]

Just take it off and weld it up if it's a crack in the manifold. I'm going to warn you that the passenger side manifold is a bitch to get out. Remove the airbox so you have a little bit of room to work with. My mustang also has a "tick" to it, but, i've just learned to accept that it ticks. I think other people's does it as well, so it must not be too abnormal.

Like Mcqueen said, get some auto tranny fluid, remove 1 quart of oil, and put 1 quart of tranny fluid in it and see if that lubes it up at all and stops the ticking. Most likely, if you've never had your exhaust manifold replaced, you will eventually. Atleast welding things up isn't that expensive. It beats having to buy a new manifold itself.