mud_cat

the problem: my 2002 mustang gt has about 130,000 miles on it. when i purchased the car from the origonal owner, i was told that he had the timing chain tensioner replaced. i dont know which one but i assume booth. well about a month ago it started ticking noise up top of the engine that is now much louder. not a bad rod or crank knock but a rapid tick that comes in at about 2000- 2700 rpm. when i slam it, after 3000 rpm the ticking goes away and returns on deceleration.

there are lots of posts on the timing chain guides going bad causing a ticking noise at the top end, so i bought the chain kit and tore into my 4.6 just to get the cover off to no guide wear or damaged or chewed parts. the chain guides and tensioners look brand new, compared to the new parts i bought.

i have owned the car for 6 months now, with no compression loss, bad oil pressure or other problems. i changed the oil and put in the 5w-30 per the manual. what other problems have been occuring with the 4.6 involving this ticking noise? i was told it could be the wrong rang of spark plug. i will check that when i reassemble the motor. any other clues for me to start checking?

black35th

So when you tore it all apart did you go ahead and replace the stuff?

devongarver

lifters? sorry, "lash adjusters" when they go they will make a similar sound as you describe.

MikeInCape

Sounds like a possible slight miss... Could be a spark plug, plug wire, incorrect gap...

Did you tear the motor down???

5.0 85 GT

im calling lifter or lash adjsusters as well...my uncles 5.4 f150 needed lifters at 100k it would tick loud then when you punched it ti would go away, then on deceleration liek you said it returns...so i am deff sayin lifters

mud_cat

no i didnt replace the parts. the chain, guides, and adjusters are 6 months old. got my ford guy to check the chain and guides while the cover was off. and he advised me to leave it. the parts showed no wear.

mud_cat

yes i tore it down, no shavings, plastic worn guides nothing. my 4.6 doesnt have sparkplug wires. it has the coil over plug ignition. but i also heard it could be plugs. this started about a month after i installed some splitfire plugs. i bought some motorcrafts today, and im going to put those in with some new spark plug boots and try that. if that doesnt work. i will get one of those stethascopes and listen at the lifters.

if i have to change the adjusters may as well add some new cams while im in it.