I have a Cougar with a '03 Escape engine in it. Motor only has 3500mi or so on it. Motor is stock and hasnt been apart except for the 2.5 timing cover and 2.5 valve covers.
The motor has developed a ticking, that came on rather quickly. The sound is there at idle and goes up when the motor is reved. Havent lost any oil pressure. It sounds like a HLA is going bad but Ive pulled off both valve covers and cant physically see anything wrong. all the lifters have the same amount of play in them. Turned the motor over and they are all moving properly.
I have pulled the belt off and it isnt any of the accessory pulleys making noise, and i checked the clutch bolts ( just put in a new one) and they are all tight.
I really dont want to pull the motor again and start taking stuff apart, any more ideas
