Recall on Cobra heads?

[ShakeandBake]

Does anyone know if there was a recall on the 2000 and below Cobra motor, drivers side head? A buddy of mine was watching horsepower tv and they said there was a recall.

-Chris

 

[BuellerF71]

I think you have the wrong year

I just watched what I believe was the same episode. But what they where talking about was the 2003 Mustang Cobra head. There is a problem with the drivers side head on the 2003 Cobra, and HPTV did mention this in that episode. Hope this helps you....

 

[tunedin302]

I saw the show and am pretty sure they said "2001 and prior cobras with 4.6 motors". Just a quick search brought up this link. http://66.218.71.225/search/cache?p....html&w=cobra+head+recalls&d=C363F82848&icp=1

 

[tunedin302]

For my friends sake I hope I'm wrong.
http://www.alldata.com/TSB/19/971947CC.html

 

[ShakeandBake]

Doing the same search and comparing the service bulletins here is the consistent item:

Engine - Aluminum Block/Head Machining

However I dont' see anything about warped heads....and Alldata does not list 2003 model year tsb's yet...maybe I should call SVT?

-Chris

 

[Uncle Meat]

This is not a TSB or recall, it's merely a service bulletin. The heads they were speaking of on Horsepower TV are the early model '03 heads and here is the bulleting that covers the problem. Good luck getting Ford to replace it though... they are no longer doing it because they say the tick does not hurt the motor and has no detrimental effects.

U.M.

P.S. I've had my drivers side head replaced TWICE now under this SSM.

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

 

[ShakeandBake]

Thanks Uncle Meat for the clarification. So no head problems for the 98's then....thats a relief!

-Chris

 

[tunedin302]

That's good news shake&bake. I'm glad someone was able to clarify it. Thanks Uncle Meat.