Originally posted by hmouta:
if its a clickety sound, its likely the timing belt clicking the cover. confirm this in the zetec forum. ,y 95 does it. i think it means time to change it but it'll work for a while. some guys even run with the cover off to not hear the clicking. others use washers as spacers to keep the cover off the belt



It is a common thing on the Zetec for the timing belt to slightly touch the timing belt cover and yes it can be worse cold. Ford actually sells a revised cover with more clearance to avoid this. Many have been able to space the upper cover up just a little with washers to avoid the noise. Changing the belt doesn't help.

Try taking the upper cover off for a cold start and see if the noise goes away.

Jim Johnson 98 SVT 03 Escape Limited