the infamous 03 tick

[justtrottin98]

I own an 2003 cobra and i have what many guys refer to as the tick, can anyone explain exactly what it is that is making the noise in the valve train and how can i fix it, also if you have any knowledge on the predator programmer and how to write your own fuel mapping please let me know.

 

[Pig]

Check this out for an explanation of the infamous "tick"...

http://www.stangshiftergaskets.com/2003_2004faqs.htm#_Toc35092459
Section 5.5

 

[Uncle Meat]

I think I qualify as knowledgeable on the subject. I've had the tick twice now on my '03, but the explanation listed above in the 03/04 Cobra FAQ is spot on.

The theory on the tick is that it's caused by a poorly designed coolant passage on the rear of the head. This coupled with a equally bad design for coolant routing out of the drivers side head allows the valve seals on the number 7 & 8 cylinders to wear enough to let them cant just enough in the guide to cause the ticking. So far no one has reported any long term effects from this problem, besides the annoying sound it makes. The ONLY fix is to replace the head with the latest casting from Ford.

U.M.