Hello Scotty,
I own a low mileage (2000 miles) 2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra that ticks once the engine reaches normal operating temp. Cold starts are quiet without any ticks. The tick only occurs at idle. Raising the rpm slightly above idle to like 1000-1200 rpm makes the tick go away.
Did a lifter bleed procedure on the car which consisted of running the engine at 3500 rpm for 5 minutes at idle after getting the car up to temp. Coolant temps reached 235f at like the 4 minute mark, so I let off the throttle, and got out the car to check for the noise. The noise was gone at 235f coolant temp, but the noise returned once the car cooled back down to 210f coolant temp.
Did the above procedure a few times, and each time was able to get rid of the noise temporarily. I've tried 5w20 & 5w50 oil which both tick the same. What could the issue be? Thanks.
The issue is insufficient cooling on the #8 cylinder. Many of the 32V Ford V8's (03-04 Cobra and Mach 1's) have this issue. There are two fixes to this issue:
1. Get a repaired head for around $4000 just parts
2. Get a "Head Cooling Mod" kit like this one: https://www.lethalperformance.com/lethal-performance-gen-2-head-cooling-mod.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI25mBn5_g8gIVyxitBh08bQBOEAQYASABEgJYFfD_BwE
NOTE: The installation of this simple-looking mod is extremely delicate and requires use of a hacksaw/saws all around extremely tight areas. I recommend professional installation.
Ford knew this was an issue and released a TSB for the problem back in 2003. However, as there was no recall, owners these days are stuck with just the two options mentioned. I own a couple of these cars and have sold many....most of them needed this repair.
The 4.6L 32V V8 is NOT as reliable as the 4.6L V8 found in the GT's of the same era, regardless of what John Colleti (Chief SVT Engineer during that time) may say or have intended for the car to be.
At any rate, that's your problem. Insufficient cooling to cylinder #8. No easy fix sadly and very common.
https://www.allfordmustangs.com/threads/terminator-head-tick.407281/
https://www.svtperformance.com/threads/head-tick.1066220/
Obviously the lifters are bad have any mechanic listen to what the stethoscope and he can tell you. It's not just mileage that breaks lifters they can wear down over time get corroded inside for lack of use then make noise
I don’t believe the issue is head tick as the sound is coming from the passenger side. You can’t hear the noise from underneath the hood. The noise is only noticeable when sticking your ear inside the passenger side wheel well. I took the car to a stealership, and they thought the issue was due to faulty/not pumped up rocker arms/lash adjusters on the passenger side head, so I had them replace all the rocker arms/lash adjusters on the passenger side. The noise hasn’t changed.
It can be heard on the passenger side at times as well, but if it sounds like this....its the head tick.
Here is mine... https://www.dropbox.com/s/7j318sr7w14cp4b/IMG_0330.MOV?dl=0
Notes: Had to max out the 16k range on my headphones equalizer to really hear it good.
The above video was right after the car hit normal operating temp, and the fan kicked on/off for the first time.
This is how it sounds after running the car for 30 minutes at 2000 rpm getting the coolant temp up to 222F, and then letting the fan cool it all the way back down to normal operating temp 208F... https://www.dropbox.com/s/7swpeewldeslq7r/IMG_0333.MOV?dl=0
Listening to the videos using my cell phone at max volume really makes the tick stick out.
Still think it’s head tick mod_man?