Hey All,
First off, thanks for all the good info here. I have a '98 GL Zetec MTX. I bought it new, it now has a bit under 86k on the clock. Over the last 6 months or so I have noticed something a bit odd. Once in a while, if I let the car sit for a while, even a few days, when I start it I hear a tapping that is consistent with engine RPM. The tick/tap lasts for probably 5 seconds and then goes away. Also, when it is a bit colder (5 to -10 deg) I notice that I have a very subtle tick that is again consistent with RPM. the noise goes away when the engine is warmed up, and I never hear it when I drive regularly in normal weather. It sounds like it is cam/lifter related to me, but I am looking for ideas. The noise on startup is very noticable, but goes away quickly and only rarely happens. The cold weather tick is much more subtle, but since I know the car well I notice it.
Any ideas? I am thinking it is a sticky lifter, possibly. I was worried about a cam lobe going flat (I owned 2 2.3l based fords that both developed this when they got around 100k), but since the sound goes away completely and does not happen under normal conditions it doesn't seem to fit. As I said, it is a 9 yr old w/ 86k on it, but I would like it to last...well forever if possible!!
Thanks for any input,
Kirev
First off, thanks for all the good info here. I have a '98 GL Zetec MTX. I bought it new, it now has a bit under 86k on the clock. Over the last 6 months or so I have noticed something a bit odd. Once in a while, if I let the car sit for a while, even a few days, when I start it I hear a tapping that is consistent with engine RPM. The tick/tap lasts for probably 5 seconds and then goes away. Also, when it is a bit colder (5 to -10 deg) I notice that I have a very subtle tick that is again consistent with RPM. the noise goes away when the engine is warmed up, and I never hear it when I drive regularly in normal weather. It sounds like it is cam/lifter related to me, but I am looking for ideas. The noise on startup is very noticable, but goes away quickly and only rarely happens. The cold weather tick is much more subtle, but since I know the car well I notice it.
Any ideas? I am thinking it is a sticky lifter, possibly. I was worried about a cam lobe going flat (I owned 2 2.3l based fords that both developed this when they got around 100k), but since the sound goes away completely and does not happen under normal conditions it doesn't seem to fit. As I said, it is a 9 yr old w/ 86k on it, but I would like it to last...well forever if possible!!
Thanks for any input,
Kirev