Guys, Are any of you experiencing a ticking noise coming from the engine bay on your 03/04 cobra's. Do you know what could be causing this, and if there is a solution. Is it anything to be concerned about?
Search engine tick in the forums area...it is a problem with the 03 cobras that has been addressed...alot of talk about it. there are some guys on here that have real good knowledge on it. It is actully the piston slapping the heads on cylinder 7 and/or 8 i think. Like i said, there are guys here that will help with first hand experience.
I've had the drivers side head replaced on my '03 2 times now due to the infamous "Tick". What do you want to know about it? U.M.
Can I take it to the dealership and ask them to fix it? Is it something that Ford should fix. Is it harmful to the engine? I do believe it is the heads.
There are some videos and audio of the TICK on some sites, you might want to make sure that it actually is the tick and not just valve noise before you take it in so they don't try to tell you its a normal sound and that you shouldn't worry about it. If it is the tick there are TSB's out about it and they should replace the head for you.
Here is a great recording of the tick, does your car sound like this at idle, with you sitting in the drivers seat and the HOOD CLOSED? http://mtg.homeunix.com/tick.mp3 Here is the TSB for early model '03 Cobra's that outline the replacement of the drivers side head. Article No. 03-11-4 ENGINE - MUSTANG COBRA - TICK NOISE FROM ENGINE - COBRA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ENGINES BUILT BEFORE 11/1/2002 ONLY Publication Date: May 23, 2003 FORD: 2003 MUSTANG ISSUE: Some 2003 Mustang Cobra vehicles with engines built before 11/1/2002 may exhibit an unusual engine tick noise that is present at all temperatures during idle. This noise may be due to valve guide wear in the left bank cylinder head. Guide wear manifests itself as a tick noise which can be heard at the rear of LH head, through LH catalyst, at the LH front wheel well and may not be heard with the hood open. ACTION: Use the diagnostic procedures listed in this article to evaluate the vehicle condition and replace the cylinder head if applicable. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details. SERVICE PROCEDURE NOTE: THIS REPLACEMENT CYLINDER HEAD WILL NOT IMPROVE OR REDUCE PERFORMANCE. In order to diagnose noise, the following items must be checked. Verify noise by placing a stethoscope on the back of the left head near the exhaust ports. Verify that the noise is heard in the left side exhaust system (left side wheel well or catalytic converter, from underneath the vehicle). Try to isolate the noise by canceling the cylinders, by unplugging the injectors one at a time (start with #8 cylinder). Verify that there are no exhaust manifold leaks. Check to make sure that the camshaft spacers are in place. If not, install cam spacers (per Workshop Manual Section 303-01C) and retest vehicle. Check for proper cam sprocket bolt torque, retorque to spec listed in the Workshop Manual Section 303-01C. Check for spongy lash adjusters (refer to Section 303-00 in the corresponding Workshop Manual). Verify that the timing chain tensioner pin has been removed. If the above diagnostics does not eliminate the noise while the cylinders are cancelled, and the engine was built prior to 11/1/2002, replace the left side cylinder head and cam assembly with Part Number 3R2Z-6049-GA. Refer to Workshop Manual Section 303-01C for cylinder head replacement procedures. PART NUMBER PART NAME 3R2Z-6049-GA Cylinder Head And Cam Assembly - Left - Cobra Only U.M.
Mine doesn't sound like that so I'm kinda relieved. This is my first 4V, they are a lot noisier that 2v's even when they're working well. That tick sounds like a PITA for those who have it .
Uncle Meat, I did the test you suggested, and I beleieve I failed the test. I am going to take my cobra to my local dealership. Did you have any problem in getting your dealership to fix your tick? By the way, nice videos in your signature.
Nope! Never had any problems with my service department. Even when I took the car back after only 1200 miles on the new drivers side head and showed them it was ticking again. They smiled, ordered a whole 'nother head and replaced it again. Of course there are reports out there now that SVT is no longer authorizing the replacement of the drivers side head for the tick! U.M.
I have an 03 that started ticking. I took it to ford, they weren't any help. Since I had a chip I knew the warr. was no good so I took it apart myself. Turns out the car was running way to lean and burnt up 7 pistons the tick was due to one of the pistons getting out of round and slapping the sidewall. If yours is stock take it to a dealer, if not be carefull because they will stick it to you anyway they can.
Uncle Meat, I took it to the local Ford dealership, and they told me that the sounds coming from the engine are normal.I then began to tell them about the TSB that is out concerning this issue, and they still stuck to their guns. I said well, if this causes engine damage down the road, you will be responsible for it. I have the receipt where they stated, this is normal engine noise, so may be is. By the way, the only mods I have is a K&N drop in air filter, and Flowmaster catback, royal purple syn oil. Can the catback and filter make you run lean?? I guess I am just concerned about what stroebel said. Peace!!!
Yes, they will lean out your A/F a little bit, but not enough to worry about. The vast majority of these cars are really rich from the factory. There IS the possibility that you may have a factory freak and it is just leaner than other Cobra's. The best way to set your mind at ease would be a dyno pull with wideband A/F monitoring. U.M.
