Head Tick TSB-Questions

I had the tick and it was because I lost all compression in cylinder#8. They replaced the entire longblock under warrentee. Just in time for my new s/c. I actualy had my s/c in my kitchen all ready to be installed when the ticking started. Good thing I didint void my warrentee by installing the s/c before the tick started...

Isnt this for the 03 cobra's?

mogs01gt said:

Isnt this for the 03 cobra's?

Click to expand...

As far as i know the new Cobras have heat issues with cylinder #7 and #8. Not sure why my cylinder died.. they never told me. They wouldint have replaced it if it were from abuse.

There is a TSB out for the Cobras I think from the driver side head ticking. Im pretty sure is it from the cam or follower and the casting of the head. Atleast I read about it last year.

I HOPE THEY STILL DOING IT BECAUSE MY HEADS ARE TICKING. sorry i didnt know cap lock was on. anyway they need to do somthing on a warrentied car, if the heads are damaging the engine, causing loss of hp, and causing loss of cylinder compression? what happens if you lose compression in a cyl. anyway, is your hole engne shot? or can you just replace some parts and be ok? im not a guy who knows everything about engines , but i love my car and i dont wantt to give it up. i will replace parts on my own if i have to.

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 manifest 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 NO 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 cancelling 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 diagnostic does not eliminate the noise while the cylinder 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

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES:
NONE

WARRANTY STATUS:
INFORMATION ONLY

ALSO FROM BLUE OVAL NEWS

23 September 03
Robert Lane

Ford Motor Company told dealers that 4.6L 2V engines built prior to 29 September 03 and installed in 2001 through 2004 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles may have defective cylinder heads.

The engines were installed in:

• 2001 - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Cars
• 2002 - 2004 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer
• 2001 - 2004 Ford Mustang GT
• 2001 - 2004 Ford E-Series Vans
• 2001 - 2004 Expedition
• 2001 - 2004 F150s

According to Ford, the 4.6L engines "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 area, any may not be heard with the hood open."

Unfortunately, Ford may not notify owners of this action and will only perform the service to those who know what to ask for in order to get their vehicle fixed. It's part of Ford's secret warranty program - a.k.a, "If you don't ask, we won't tell."

Owners should contact their Ford of Lincoln Mercury dealership service center to perform service T-31604 or Pat Hoye (313) 248-8336 at Ford World Headquarters or click here for a Ford executive assigned to your area for more information. Owners are advised to have their vehicles inspected before the warranty period expires.