Spark knock diag and repair

[Big-T]

1st time poster here

I have a '99 5-spd V6 with ~48K mi. I bought it last summer with about 42K mi. It was and still is in excellent condition. I use it as a daily driver only, no quarter mile, or AutoX here

After researching here and on other forums on the 'Net I'm pretty sure that I've been noticing spark knock for about 4-5 months now. The symptoms are just like I've seen mentioned here with it occurring close to WOT or at high RPM and going up hills. I verified that I DO have to original PCV cover that had the TSB written about it.

I'm not too confident with my automotive knowledge or terminology and was looking for some guidence and/or advice as to how to present this to a Ford Dealership. How slim are the chances of getting this replaced for free?( I know it's a TSB and not a recall, but it can't hurt to ask, right? )

Also, what else should I expect a mechanic to say needs to be replaced or fixed? Would this have done any other major damage? I'm coming up on 50K miles, is there any regular maint. that I should take care of while it's in the shop?

Thanks for helping out a mustang novice.
-Tony

 

[DanM]

Welcome!

I know this is probably not what you want to hear, but unfortunately, it's going to depend 99% on where you take it. Realistically, I wouldn't be expecting a dealer to fix a TSB on a car that's out of warranty for no charge. I'd be very surprised if a dealer did. Then again, sometimes if it's a dealer you know well, and you're in good with them, they'll help you out (the rest of my family owns Hondas, always has, same dealer, and they're great like this..).

Frankly, I'd look at trying to garner some experience for yourself. This is actually a great way to start. It's a pretty simple fix whether you opt to (a) just delete the PCV, (b) install some sort of filter, or (c) replace the valve cover.

If you want (a), you just need to go to an auto parts store, buy two vacuum caps and two breathers, and pop them on. If you want (b), you'll need to buy a little inline filter, maybe some hose clamps, and some other misc hardware. Again, pretty straight forward, though. If you want (c), my suggestion would be to look up a local wrecker and see if you can find an 01+ valve cover rather than buying it from Ford.

As to other damage - frankly I would expect nothing. If you take it to a dealer, tell them to fix the knocking, and leave it at that. If everything's fine when you get it back, don't worry about it.

It might be a good time to change spark plugs, too. Your current ones are probably fouled from the oil. This is something you can pretty easily do yourself too.

 

[Big-T]

Thanks for the reply Dan.

Actually a co-worker of mine who's comfortable working on cars and engines offered to help me replace the PCV valve cover. I asked about the spark plugs, but he didn't like the look of the way you get to passenger side plugs.

So I'll probably get an induction cleaning and new plugs from a mech. shop. and hopefully learn something from putting on a new PCV cover.

-Tony

 

[AP1995V6]

Passenger side plugs will get you a few busted knuckles. yank off the air intake to get ya bit more room.

 

[DanM]

Thanks for the reply Dan.

Actually a co-worker of mine who's comfortable working on cars and engines offered to help me replace the PCV valve cover. I asked about the spark plugs, but he didn't like the look of the way you get to passenger side plugs.

So I'll probably get an induction cleaning and new plugs from a mech. shop. and hopefully learn something from putting on a new PCV cover.

-Tony

Not to be a prick, just to make sure you have your story straight - it's the VALVE COVER (or rocker cover) you're replacing. Not the PCV valve cover. There is no PCV valve cover. The valve cover is about a 12" long cover that sits on top of the cylinder head and protects the rocker arms. The PCV valve is a little plastic thing that pops into a hole on the valve cover.

As to the passenger side plugs - they're not awful. You'll need a run-of-the-mill ratchet, and a 3" spark plug extension for sure. Wouldn't hurt to have a 6" extension around either. It's really not hard, but be prepared to spend half an hour trying to figure out how to maneuver the ratchet into place. And for a few bruised knuckles. As someone said, you'll have to pop off the black plastic air induction assembly. It's not as bad as it looks.

If you can do a valve cover, you can do spark plugs. Valve cover is harder.

 

[Big-T]

Not to be a prick, just to make sure you have your story straight - it's the VALVE COVER (or rocker cover) you're replacing. Not the PCV valve cover. There is no PCV valve cover. The valve cover is about a 12" long cover that sits on top of the cylinder head and protects the rocker arms. The PCV valve is a little plastic thing that pops into a hole on the valve cover.

You're not being a prick, that's exactlly what I'm referring to with regards to my lack of automotive knowledge and terminology. Thanks for your patience in pointing that out to me.

-Tony

 

[01White5spd]

If you end up needing a new valve cover, BBK just came out with some aluminum ones that are pretty cool looking and actually might be less expensive than a new one from Ford. I think the set of 2 covers is $199.

 

[xneox]

What is the TSB on the 99/00 valve covers? Is oil being pumped thru the PCV & into the intake?

Should I think about doing this mod myself.....? I have a '00 with 34K miles.

Is there any disadvantage in eliminating the PCV & going w/a small breather on the valve cover & a plug or another breather for the intake?

 

[Big-T]

What is the TSB on the 99/00 valve covers? Is oil being pumped thru the PCV & into the intake?

Taken from the following webpage; http://www.miracerros.com/mustang/pcv_filter.htm

"This problem is addressed in Ford Service Bulletin No. 8373 and OASIS number 9865. TSB 00-21-8 dated October 2000 describes the same problem occuring on 99-00 Ford Windstar 3.8L V6 engines."
-Tony