• Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech

Vehicle makes loud tractor like noise on startup sometime

  • Thread starter Thread starter Sovang
  • Start date Start date Dec 27, 2012
S

Sovang

New Member
Dec 27, 2012
4
0
1
Dec 27, 2012
#1
  • Dec 27, 2012
  • #1
Sometime the 2000 Mustang GT makes a loud tractor noise when it starts up. It also leaks two different fluids on the ground at that time. Looks and smells like Oil. one brown and one red. So engine and tranny i suspect.

Anyway this only happens if the mustang has not been started for about 3- 7 days. What is the reason for this? Is this common?
 

trinity_gt

10 Year Member
Jan 31, 2003
3,125
81
99
Canada
Dec 27, 2012
#2
  • Dec 27, 2012
  • #2
Got a video or sound clip?
 
S

Sovang

New Member
Dec 27, 2012
4
0
1
Dec 27, 2012
#3
  • Dec 27, 2012
  • #3
I wish i did, I told my girl to try and record it next time. It is her car and she is almost terrified of driving it long distances because she does not trust it. I have worked on cars but never fords. This noise was something i have never heard before. It was out of this world to me.

it ticks like crazy and sounds almost like the hydraulic lifters are dry and just clacking away. It reminds me of when i replaced the entire head of a jetta. when i did not bleed in the lifters. but the mustang sounded so much worse.
 

COramprat

...I can take it. I think.
20+ Year Stangneter
Mar 2, 2003
8,474
1,463
223
Sea of Tranquility
Dec 29, 2012
#4
  • Dec 29, 2012
  • #4
Sounds like what you said. If it has sat up for a few days then it could be just dry. Does it go away after a few seconds of running?
 
R

rockyracoon

10 Year Member
Nov 23, 2005
874
27
49
margate NJ
Dec 29, 2012
#5
  • Dec 29, 2012
  • #5
Does it sound almost like a diesel truck ? If so It may just be piston slap.
 

cj04gt

New Member
Jan 7, 2013
5
0
1
coquille, or
Jan 7, 2013
#6
  • Jan 7, 2013
  • #6
it sounds like the oil draining back into the filter after sitting the timing chain phasers lost all the oil thats just what it sounds like to me also are you using a good filter with an anti drain back valve in it on oil changes not the junk fram filters
not sure about the leaks tho
 

sneaky98gt

10 Year Member
Apr 23, 2008
2,387
144
114
NC State University
Jan 9, 2013
#7
  • Jan 9, 2013
  • #7
Hmm. Not sure what to say about the oil leaking. And I wouldn't think it's the timing chains because the tensioners have a ratchet that keeps them from loosening. But the loud noise could easily be the lifters not fully pumped back up. When I put a new motor in my car back in 2011, I had the same thing happen. Since it was a junkyard motor, it had been sitting for at least several months. When I first started it up, it made an awful racket in the top end for about 20 seconds, then went away and has never happened again.

Here's something to try. The next time you try to crank it after it's been sitting for a while, first: mash the gas pedal all the way to the floor (and hold it there). Then try and crank it for a good 10-20 seconds. This will allow the motor to crank, but not start. If dry lifters are the issue, this should prime the oil back into the head and pump them up properly. Then start it the regular way and see if it still makes a racket.
 

R.J.

Member
Aug 20, 2003
813
0
16
Warwick, Rhode Island
Jan 14, 2013
#8
  • Jan 14, 2013
  • #8
The floored pedal/cranking is a great idea but so is the oil filter selection. Use Ford (motorcraft) oil filters because they have excellent drain back protection. On the Ford 4.9L the motorcraft is a must. Any other filter will cause the 4.9 to be loud at start up!
 

gearheadboy

15 Year Member
Jan 15, 2003
1,425
177
84
Greencastle Pa
Jan 14, 2013
#9
  • Jan 14, 2013
  • #9
R.J. said:
The floored pedal/cranking is a great idea but so is the oil filter selection. Use Ford (motorcraft) oil filters because they have excellent drain back protection. On the Ford 4.9L the motorcraft is a must. Any other filter will cause the 4.9 to be loud at start up!
Click to expand...
x2 Change the filter to a Motorcraft. Check and top off the fluid and hose it off underneath. Then look later to see where it has been leaking. Try a piece of cardboard under the car to see where it drips and what the fluid is. Some coolants look like red or orange. Also auto trans, manual trans, or power steering can be red.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

A
2001 Mustang GT, scorched metal smell and noise from trans/diff?
  • AndyE2255
  • Dec 1, 2025
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
4
Views
467
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Dec 28, 2025
gkomo
K
Engine 2000 Mustang GT - Fuel issue post-blown spark plug repair
  • kenster1092
  • Feb 26, 2026
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
4
Views
365
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Mar 10, 2026
kenster1092
K
B
'03 GT Fuel Pump/Pressure/Delivery Issue
  • Brodach
  • Oct 21, 2025
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
8
Views
918
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Oct 31, 2025
gkomo
SURGING IDLE / NO IDLE CHECKLIST FOR 1999–2004 MUSTANG GT (4.6L 2V) - Work In Progress
  • Noobz347
  • Aug 30, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
0
Views
923
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Aug 30, 2025
Noobz347
G
2006 Mustang GT o2 Sensor Wiring Issue Car Bogging/Choking
  • GCantero93
  • Sep 5, 2025
  • 2005 - 2009 Specific Tech
Replies
4
Views
1K
2005 - 2009 Specific Tech Sep 6, 2025
Noobz347
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?