Head Ticking vs Injector Ticking

[Blood on Blood]

Hello everyone... I am new to this forum.

Previous cars is a long list, but most recently I sold a built 1991 5.0 Mustang and a 2000 Camaro to buy an 03 Cobra.

My question is the dreaded ticking, but I notice it at initial start up/idle for about a minute or two; however, not after the motor is at normal running temperature.

How can I tell if the ticking is from the injectors or heads?

Does the head ticking occur at all times the motor is running?

Also, is there a link to the TSB on the heads ticking issue?

Appreciate the feedback.

Dave

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[ChicagoMike]

I believe a ticking sound that goes away is not the head tick. Could be piston slap till it heats up then the "play" is gone and no tick.

Hello everyone... I am new to this forum.

Previous cars is a long list, but most recently I sold a built 1991 5.0 Mustang and a 2000 Camaro to buy an 03 Cobra.

My question is the dreaded ticking, but I notice it at initial start up/idle for about a minute or two; however, not after the motor is at normal running temperature.

How can I tell if the ticking is from the injectors or heads?

Does the head ticking occur at all times the motor is running?

Also, is there a link to the TSB on the heads ticking issue?

Appreciate the feedback.

Dave

 

[Racerx66]

I agree with Mike. The dreaded tick comes alive when the motor is hot or at operating tempature, not at start up. You can tell if it's your head, if you listen by the drivers side wheel well (hood closed).

You should be OK.

 

[hj16]

Piston Slap will happen on a cold motor then go away once it warms up. The Head Tick does not go away, and is most prevelent on the drivers side by the fenderwell.

 

[Blood on Blood]

Thanks for the prompt feedback...

Then what is the injector ticking about?

 

[wahoo]

Thanks for the prompt feedback...

Then what is the injector ticking about?

When the injectors cycle you'll here a clicking noise. Its best heard with hood open.

Peace

 

[Blood on Blood]

Got it, thanks...

Piston slapping the valve? If that is so, then the piston and valve then be toast.

I thought the initial ticking at start up that goes away is usually the slapping of rocker arm tip and top of the valve stem...

I could be wrong...

Thanks again for all of the info... I am new to the 4.6L... :headbang:

 

[dun4791]

forged internals= noise at start up =teflon coating to mask sound so less complaints of noise......lyle

 

[chris@svtspeed]

pison slap is piston to cylinder inj noise is on both sides of the motor the head tick is only on the drivers side.piston slap will go away as stated. the tick just keeps getting worse and worse

 

[superman]

does this tick get worse after awile i noticed mine is doing it and it's really pissing me off.... i still have warr if i take it in how long will car be out of comission?? i just don't know where to take dont trust these dealers... i heard arlington heights ford is pretty good... and feed back on this tick would be greatly appreciated...

 

[Whitey04]

Well I've been asking around alot about this and I finally got a final answer. I called a ford dealer and ford ran my vin to see if my car qualified for the head campaign and it did. Ford (the car company not the dealer) claims that it won't hurt anything, the dealers mechanics say that the ticking happens by a valve guide with excessive clearance. I asked him if that could cause a valve to drop "I can't promise anything" he tells me. If your still in a factory warranty get it fixed. if you have an extanded warranty get it fixed. A head is very expensive and a dropped valve.... I don't even want to think about it.

 

[superman]

thanks for that info iam going to call tomorrow and see whats the deal with getting my car in there... just out of curosity what is your build date??

 

[rdsnake]

what ive noticed is the first 6 months of 03 cobras made had the most problems...

 

[Racerx66]

03's had the rep for that problem, but there has been 04's with the head tick.

Best thing to do is take the car to a dealer and point out the head tick. Some folks on SVTP have reported one head replaced, some have had both heads replaced. It really comes down to the dealer.

 

[BlownVenom01]

Umm... when i start my car cold there is a prevalant tick from the drivers side fenderwell, but it goes away at running temp, also at 2500-2800 rpm i get some rattling from my engine, sounds like rockers rattling, but could it be something like my throwout bearing? thats the only other thing i could think of besides not exactly adjusted valves

 

[superman]

well guys iam bring it in to arlington heights ford friday to see what the deal is... it's really annoying me few people said it could be spings in clutch but iam thinking it's not.... so well see....

 

[ShelbyGuy]

that sounds like piston slap as described

Umm... when i start my car cold there is a prevalant tick from the drivers side fenderwell, but it goes away at running temp, also at 2500-2800 rpm i get some rattling from my engine, sounds like rockers rattling, but could it be something like my throwout bearing? thats the only other thing i could think of besides not exactly adjusted valves

 

[Whitey04]

that sounds like piston slap as described

Yep.

 

[Racerx66]

Agreed,


and Arlington Heights Ford has good rep, good luck.

 

[superman]

well took the cobra in this morning for the ticking and they are replacing head but it wont be in till middle of next week and is about a 3 day job no car show this weekend..