can detonation sound like ticking?

[ADRENLN]

i ask because ive had a low but verry annoying ticking sound for over a year. i thought it was the bad heads, or maybe an exhaust lead. from the description i heard of detonation i didnt think that was the problem i was having. i have all the mods in the sig, and dont have a tune.

anyway i usually use mid-grade gas, well today i put in some 94 octane, and it lessend the ticking. its not all the way gone but sounds better. what do you guys make of it? if i have been driving on slight detonation for over a year, my engine must be f_ _ _ ed up?

 

[Justin03GT]

it sounds pretty much like either popping popcorn or almost like the metal balls in a can of spraypaint being rattled...

 

[DropTopPony]

sure its not a fuel injector or spark plug/wire?

 

[bdcardinal]

sure its not a fuel injector or spark plug/wire?

you can rule out spark plug wires, he doesnt have any.

any codes thrown? how many miles? engine running at normal operating temp? when did you change out the coolant last? oil changed often or use synthetic with UOAs? any mods that changed timing? changed your fuel filter lately? used any fuel injector cleaner?

 

[ADRENLN]

no codes thrown, car has 9100 miles, runs at normal temp, never changed the coolent yet, i use synthetic mobile 1, havent changed it latley, but car still does it when i get a fresh change, no timing, fuel filter, change, never used fuel injector cleaner.

 

[JetBrett]

Probably not detonation. I had an injector go bad recently and unfortunately, got to hear what it sounds like first hand. I lost some throttle response approaching 5,000 rpm and it sounded like something was breaking loose and rattling in my cats.....only problem was I don't have any cats.

If it is doing it all of the time and not just when you are on the gas, detonation is likely not your problem.

 

[rjstaaf]

Check for the ticking in the driver side wheel well? There was an issue with the driver side head on the 4.6, it is more common with the 4V but, there is a TSB for the 2V in the GT as well.

Here is the TSB

Engine - Ticking Noise When Idling
Article No.
03-25-6

12/22/03

ENGINE - ROMEO BUILT 4.6L 2V - TICK NOISE FROM ENGINE - ENGINES BUILT BEFORE 9/17/2003
FORD:
2001-2004 CROWN VICTORIA, MUSTANG, E SERIES, EXPEDITION, F-150
2002-2004 EXPLORER

LINCOLN:
2001-2004 TOWN CAR

MERCURY:
2001-2004 GRAND MARQUIS
2002-2004 MOUNTAINEER

This article supersedes TSB 03-16-4 to update the engine, engine build date and part numbers.
ISSUE
Some vehicles, equipped with the Romeo built 4.6L 2V engine, with an "ENGINE BUILD DATE" prior to 9/17/2003 may exhibit an engine tick noise that is present at all temperatures during idle. The noise may be emanating from the valve guide area in the cylinder head. The noise may be more prevalent in the front wheel well area and may not be heard with the hood open.

ACTION
Follow the Service Procedure listed in this article to properly evaluate/diagnose the vehicle condition.

SERVICE PROCEDURE
NOTE THIS ARTICLE APPLIES ONLY TO VEHICLES WITH A "ROMEO ENGINE" BUILT BEFORE 9/17/2003 (ENGINE BUILD DATE NOT VEHICLE BUILD DATE). THE ENGINE BUILD DATE IS TYPICALLY FOUND ON THE ENGINE LABEL LOCATED ON THE VALVE COVER.

1. Verify the source of the noise by placing a stethoscope on the back of the cylinder head near the exhaust ports.

2. Verify that the noise is heard in the exhaust system (in the wheel well or catalytic converter area, from underneath the vehicle).

3. Verify that there are no exhaust manifold leaks.

4. Verify that the tick noise is still present when canceling each cylinder, by unplugging the injectors one at a time.

5. Check to make sure that the camshaft spacers are in place. If not, install cam spacers (per Workshop Manual Section 303-01) and retest vehicle.

6. Check for proper cam sprocket bolt torque, re-torque to specification (per Workshop Manual Section 303-01).

7. Check hydraulic lash adjusters for a possible "spongy" condition (refer to Workshop Manual Section 303-00).

8. Verify that the timing chain tensioner pin has been removed.

If the above diagnostics do not eliminate the noise while the cylinders are cancelled, replace the cylinder head and cam assembly with Part Number 4L3Z-6049-AA (RH) or 4L3Z-6049-BA (LH). Refer to Workshop Manual Section 303-01 for cylinder head replacement procedures.
NOTE THE REPLACEMENT CYLINDER HEAD WILL NOT IMPROVE OR REDUCE PERFORMANCE.

 

[RedBullitt]

hmm i think i might have that going on too, same thing i think. i thought it was detonation at first too, but i knocked back the timing and spark etc and still used my usual 93, same thing, ran injector cleaner too, no help. it makes the sound at idle too, so that further rules out the detonation.