Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Clacking sound in engine bay....

On the passenger side, where all the accessory belts are. It can be heard faintly when the engine is idle, if you stick your head way down near the pullies/belts you can hear it better...it increases in speed as the engine revs but does not get any louder. Holding a screwdriver to the valve cover (nearest the firewall) you can hear it, but not loud, holding the screwdriver to some sort of bracket with wires hanging off the side of the motor, you can hear it alot louder. Holding the screwdriver to the mount for the tensioner pully, can't hear it, so it's something near the firewall. All the pullys/belts look fine to me, not wobbling or anything. I can't pinpoint what it is exactly. I have had a friend listen as well and he agrees it doesn't sound like any engine trouble (cams, etc.) but either a pully or the timing chain slapping against the cover.

I had that same sound with my 98 svt and a few days later I was waiting for a new engine.

-Antonio

If its the timing chain its an engine job....remove the belt and fire it up to check...

seriously though, engine runs just fine...and its been going on since SZ. I didn't have any problems going there or back....ill swing it by ford when i get it back from the body shop i guess

Does the sound go away when you have the clutch pedal depressed?

I'll have to get someone to sit in the car and press on the clutch while im listening. I had to go to the store, and when I got back I listened again....with the engine hot, it's not as noticeable a sound if at all...I mean I think I'm tricking myself into hearing it. If I HAD to compare it to another sound i've heard, it sounds kind of like a lifter that is sticking. I have heard a bottom end knock (father's old sable spun a bearing) and it doesn't remotely sound like that...Listening around with the screwdriver with the motor hot I could not hear it from the same palces I heard it before when cold. LOL I should have never posted you guys have given me the chills!!!

I recently purchased a '95 Mystique LS with the 2.5 Duratec, and 57K miles. It runs great, but I plan to replace the waterpump soon. I also hear a faint and discontinuous click..click..clock in the same area during idle. Can't hear it when I rev it up. I used a long screwdriver and was able to locate the sound at the tensioner assembly. I attached a metal extension tube to my Sears 3/8" ratchet, and was able to release the belt tension. I did this with the engine idling (be very carfull near a revolving belt. This is not for a novice), and the noise susided with the stopping of the belt. I did it a few times to be sure. I also listened in different areas, as these clicks will "telegraph" to adjacent areas. Anyway, I am pretty sure it's the tensioner in my case.

I saw a T40 Torx head screw in the center, and with a Torx socket and breaker bar was actually able to break it loose! I retightend it, as I need to learn more about this replacement. Has anyone replaced the tensioner assembly? With the belt off, is the internal spring unsprung and safe? Any help or tips are appreciated.

Al

Yeah, I had the 'clack'... most noticeable at hot idle, no A/C on. Car had about 16,000 miles at the time. Worried me badly, took it in, turned out to be a bad main belt. Replaced, now still silent w/48K miles. Hope yours is as minor.

ZZZ.

How difficult is it to remove the belt tensioner assembly on the 2.5 Duratec? With the belt off, is the center screw the only fastener? Is there room to remove the unit from the top (without removing other stuff)? Thanks for the help.

Al

Pull the belt, remove the center screw and the tensioner is safe for removal. Beware, it is a pain to get in and out.

Rick