5.0 making noise, any ideas???

[97splorer]

I have had a strange noise coming from my engine(V8 5.0) for as long as I can remember. It sounds like a slight ticking/pinging sound. I have cleaned the MAF, replaced plugs & wires, the IAC, PCV and the EGR possition sensor(DPFE). THe noise is still here. It only does it in gear around 2-3K RPM. Could it be an exhaust leak or maybe a Vaccuum leak? I don't notice any performance loss, but would love to get rid of that damn sound. Any suggestions.

P.S. I am scared to death to try seafoam in the engine because I don't want to hydrolock my engine>

 

[MrMatt]

Sounds like the common exhaust leak on the passenger side (I believe) exhaust manifold and the metalic type sound is probably the valves. Hopefully someone else will respond to verify but that's what it sounds like to me.

 

[james t]

passenger side header/manifold leak. get some copper or aluminum gaskets for a 5.0 mustang.

 

[97splorer]

Is replacing the gasket for the headers a job I can do myself or would I be best to tak it somewhere to have it done?

 

[ITSA 5-0]

i hae the same problem with my X, my new gaskets are on the way -- hopefully it will solve the problem, will post to let you know, and it IS a job you can do with normal hand tools and some jackstands

 

[Mr. Mounter]

There is not much room to get off passenger manifold flange bolts. Be sure to disconnect the battery or stay clear of the starter. Carefully look over manifold for cracks. My gasket was fine but needed to have someone weld a crack in the manifold. So far the repair is doing good. Have fun!

 

[mikecosta1]

My 96 5.0 Mountaineer had the ticking sound. You can tell its the exhaust if the ticking does not speed up when you rev the engine. Exhaust tics will stay constant speed. The best way to pinpoint the sound is to have someone in the vehicle with it in gear with the brake applied and have them press the gas slightly while you listen through the wheel well. Don't get run over!! You can pull back the rubber splash shield like you were going to change the plugs to get a better listen. There was a service bulletin on the passenger side 96 5.0. Not sure about the 97's. I had to replace the exhaust manifold and it quit. Its a little challenging. You need a real long extension and a swivel joint to break loose the manifold to exhaust pipe nuts. Spray them with PB Blaster and let it sit for a bit. Good Luck!