Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Maintenance Tick tick tick tick tick...

I'm not sure if the Duratec uses hydraulic lash adjusters or if it uses something else, but my engine is making a brutal ticking noise. Its coming from the rear bank, which makes things even more difficult and fun.

So the question is... how difficult is it to replace a HLA? I'm not sure about the head design on this engine, but the camshafts probably have to be removed. If there isn't a constant tension on the timing chain, then I should be able to unbolt the drive gear from the cam and just slide it out of there... I saw my buddy do that with a Nissan engine once.

But with my luck, I'll probably have to remove the timing chain cover, which means the drive pulley will have to come off the crank, etc etc etc...

Has anyone had to do this? How big of a job was it?
Thanks guys.

Are you sure it's not the injectors? They are very noisy.

Being as you say it's "brutal" you may be on the right track and be looking at a collapsed HLA.
R&R in the car will be a major PITA to say the least!!!

removing the cams is a PTA... i stripped my motor down the the short block in the car... that was fun let me tell you... you have to have a overhead hoist to raise and lower the thing to get to everything. the timing chains were stretched out on my motor, the front by nearly an inch and that made a nasty clacking noise when the motor would rev down.

not fun so enjoy