[adryan]

OK... so I went out to get coffee this morning and I heard some intermitten knocking sounds that I've only heard for the first time. Went to get the oil changed and had my mechanic test drive her. He said it was just probably a loose heatshield or hanger. Went to the mall and stopped by my exhaust guy... we lifted the car and inspected and found nothing. He test drove it and didn't really hear it. So we popped the hood and and throttled it up and there it was. We looked for the location of the knocking and it seems to be comming from the upper rear passenger side of the engine compartment. He said it was internal and walked away.

I've been screwin' around on the road lately and I think something gave. The ticky-ticky-ticking sound happens when I release the throttle or when there is not a lot of strain on the engine but not all the time and usually on lower rpms. Any suggestions on where to start. My guess is something like rockers, lifters, valves, bearings and hoping not something else. I have no check engine light and have not lost any power or performance.

I'm taking her to my engine guy next weekend and see what he can do... but if anyone has had similar experience, please let me know.

thanks.

Adryan

p.s. will post video later


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[mcqueen]

You're 100% sure it's coming from inside the engine and not the passenger exhaust manifold? That manifold is known for cracking since the AC drips on it a lot and an exhaust leak will more than likely sound like a ticking noise. If it's not the exhaust, I'd put my money on a lifter or valve.

[Green_6er]

sticky lifter?

[adryan]

Originally Posted by mcqueen You're 100% sure it's coming from inside the engine and not the passenger exhaust manifold? That manifold is known for cracking since the AC drips on it a lot and an exhaust leak will more than likely sound like a ticking noise. If it's not the exhaust, I'd put my money on a lifter or valve.

I'm quite sure about the manifold. I have a leak on the driver side when the engine is cold and disappears in a few seconds when the engine heats up. Sound is more metallic. Do you have any idea on the costs for a mechanic to change it? Or, is this something that I can diagnose and replace in the garage with basic tools.


A

[ag11hockey]

i think we have the same problem. you hear it at idle and anywhere upwards of about 2k rpms then it stops right?

[walt1120]

Sounds like exhaust leak from the manifold.

[adryan]

I just uploaded a video. Let me know what you guys think.

YouTube - ‪Mustang Knockin‬‏

YouTube - ‪Mustang Knockin‬‏

[Lumoon]

if its a sticky lifter I'd just run some A/T fluid in with your next oil change. I have an intermittent lifter on the front passenger side I've had it since I can remember and Its a common problem.

if you open the heads up and go to replace the springs or what ever else needs replaced I suggest getting a decent set of springs and valves.

[1slowv6]

HMM the video sorta helps.... it kinda doesnt sound like the manifold.

more like a valvetrain issue but rest assured it does not imo sound like a bearing.

i would take it to your engine guy and he should be able to tell you because something that high pitched and fast sounds like you may be able to pinpoint it by removing the valve covers


FYI i wouldnt be doing any WOT burnouts

[Jetflo]

As far as the internet diagnosis of your car's ticking noise:

1. Doesn't seem like a bearing. Bad bearings don't get quiet under load.
2. Could be a lifter. A bad lifter will work better when oil pressure is higher. This would fit with the observation that the ticking noise goes away under load.

Others have made this diagnosis before me. Here's are some recommendations to improve the situation.

1. Get a section of rubber tubing and use it as a stethoscope against the valve cover to pinpoint the valves that are making noise. This will confirm it is "valve tapping".
2. Try flushing the existing oil with SeaFoam then changing the oil and adding an oil treatment like Marvel Mystery oil or some ATF.
3. If that doesn't work, the lifters need to be inspected/replaced.

With a bit of luck, there is some gunk in one lifter that will come out without much hassle.

Good Luck!

[ag11hockey]

sorry but mine sounds nothing like that. mine is mainly at an idle

[adryan]

Originally Posted by Green_6er sticky lifter?

I've been to my machine shop/turbo guy and he said that it is a sticky lifter. I've been to my engine guy and he says the same thing but not want to discount other issues. My dad said it may be one bad valve lifter and he asked me if it was mechanical or hydraulic... I said I don't know. If mechanical, it may need to be adjusted and if hydraulic it needs to be replaced. In order to finalize the diagnostics, we all agreed to take it to the stealership. I'll find out from there exactly what is wrong before I let anyone rip the engine apart.

Options I'm seeing are from basic valve adjustment (if mechanical) to valve train replacement if hydraulic. Since it is on the driver side it seems, my machine shop/turbo guy said me and him could do it in a couple of hours (for free except the parts). My Nigerian engine guy needs to learn to speak english properly so I don't know if he really even knows what to do but he is cheap and he is my mom's workmate's husband. Next option is to let the stealership take care of it but I'm sure "kaching kaching" would be what I'll be hearing. Final option, since I am planning the winter turbo build with my machine shop/turbo guy and if the costs go beyond $5-600, is to drop in a 4.6 with complete harness, ECU and hopefully supercharged if I can find one for the right price. My turbo guy would be happy to do it since he's got a few supercharged vehicles that he drives, plays with and is actually putting together right now.

I have 74,500 miles and she's to young to be this sick. I'll see what happens after the stealership. Wish me luck guys.


Adryan

p.s. My dad asked me if I wanted to drop in the 427 engine from the Thunderbird that's just sitting in the garage and I said there's too much modifications and I personally would go for the 4.6 for a straight drop in. I'm not even sure if it would fit. And, I'm giving this car to my daughter when when she gets her license next year. I'm sure she'll have fun with it if I do...


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[mcqueen]

I believe we use hydraulic lifters.

[Tang Stang]

Yes, they are hydraulic roller lifters. I'd try a little Seafoam or ATF before tearing into the engine. Either of those may free it up.

[adryan]

How much ATF should I use? I just had the oil change and I did drop in 3/4 liter of something from Canadian Tire... Risoline or something. No clue where to get Seafoam here in Canada.


A.

[stephen]

Originally Posted by adryan How much ATF should I use? I just had the oil change and I did drop in 3/4 liter of something from Canadian Tire... Risoline or something. No clue where to get Seafoam here in Canada. A.

Risoline is supposed to increase the oil viscosity to give higher oil pressure.
It probably wouldn't help a sticking lifter.

Usually 1 qt of ATF with 4 qts of oil is recommended.

[Rich J]

Kind of sounds like a rod to me....

[mcqueen]

Originally Posted by Rich J Kind of sounds like a rod to me....

I was thinking that too. I've had a sticky lifter or two for a while and they never sounded like that.

Be careful driving that car too hard OP, last thing you want to do is throw a rod and end up needing a new block or something.

[Rich J]

Sound anything like this OP?

‪1999 Bravada 4.3L V6 noise rod knock‬‏ - YouTube

‪1999 Bravada 4.3L V6 noise rod knock‬‏ - YouTube

[spaseghost]

ive got a really bad sticking lifter on the driver side. It goes away after about a minute of idling after initial startup. I use BG MOA or Restore and that seems to work for a week or so. Ill post a vid for you tomorrow.