There is a Tsb 03-16-4 ENGINE—4.6L 2V— TICK NOISE FROM ENGINE— Article No.
ENGINES BUILT BEFORE 8/29/2003 03-16-4
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
5. Check to make sure that the camshaft spacers ISSUE
are in place. If not, install cam spacers (per Some vehicles, equipped with the 4.6L 2V engine,
Workshop Manual Section 303-01) and retest with an “ENGINE BUILD DATE” prior to 8/29/03
vehicle. may exhibit an engine tick noise that is present at
all temperatures during idle. The noise may be 6. Check for proper cam sprocket bolt torque,
emanating from the valve guide area in the Cylinder retorque to specification (per Workshop Manual
Head. The noise may be more prevalent in the front Section 303-01).
wheel well area, and may not be heard with the
hood open. 7. Check hydraulic lash adjusters for a possible
“spongy” condition (refer to Workshop Manual
ACTION Section 303-00).
Follow the Service Procedures listed in this article
8. Verify that the timing chain tensioner pin has to properly diagnose/evaluate the vehicle condition.
been removed.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
If the above diagnostics do not eliminate the noise
NOTE while the cylinders are cancelled, replace the
THIS ARTICLE APPLIES ONLY TO VEHICLES cylinder head and cam assembly with Part Number
WITH AN “ENGINE” BUILT BEFORE 8/29/03 1L2Z-6049-LA. Refer to Workshop Manual Section
(ENGINE BUILD DATE, NOT VEHICLE BUILD 303-01 for cylinder head replacement procedures.
DATE). THE ENGINE BUILD DATE IS TYPICALLY
NOTE FOUND ON THE ENGINE LABEL LOCATED ON
THE REPLACEMENT CYLINDER HEAD WILL THE VALVE COVER.
NOT IMPROVE OR REDUCE PERFORMANCE.
1. Verify the source of the noise by placing a
stethoscope on the back of the cylinder head PART NUMBER PART NAME
near the exhaust ports. 1L2Z-6049-LA Head Assembly
2. Verify that the noise is heard in the exhaust
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE system (in the wheel well or catalytic converter,
WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY 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.
NOTE: The information in Technical Service Bulletins is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge, tools, and equipment to do
the job properly and safely. It informs these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or provides information that could assist in proper
vehicle service. The procedures should not be performed by “do-it-yourselfers”. Do not assume that a condition described affects your car or truck. Contact a
Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury dealership to determine whether the Bulletin applies to your vehicle.
Copyright ã 2003 Ford Motor Company PAGE 1llitin(tsb)