Tapping after oil change

[Ilikemice]

Hi guys

I'm experiencing a tapping noise during idle after changing the oil. It's noisiest from under the car but it sounds like it could be coming from the tappets/cams. The chain guides have all been done by Justin a few thousand miles back.

I put in 5w30 synthetic blend. Could it be the new oil? The last oil change was by Justin about 3k miles ago. Oil pressure guage reads fine and no engine lights and the car runs fine. The tapping is barely audible when driving and if you rev the car when stationary it sounds pretty throaty. I don't have time to do a thorough check since I'm at work!

cheers!

 

[janolsson]

May just be a slight exhaust leak.
What brand oil did you use? It could be that a little bit of sludge/varnish has dislodged and caused a bit of a blockage to one of your lash adjusters/followers.
When you get time get a small length of hose to use as a stethoscope to pin point the noise.

 

[Ilikemice]

I used kendall oil. I think the noise is noticable from below because it seems to rattle the exhaust.

Any ideas what to do? I'll try the hose thing tonight. Cheers


I noticed the tapping after driving to work, but after letting it sit for 5 mins I couldn't hear it, then today when driving for ten miles I could hear it. Is it cause for much concern?

 

[Stenasev]

Oil pressure guage reads fine

Just a quick comment on the 'guage' it's basically like a light, it's either on or off there is no variation. So unless you lose pressure completely it will always read good!

 

[Ilikemice]

Just a quick comment on the 'guage' it's basically like a light, it's either on or off there is no variation. So unless you lose pressure completely it will always read good!

Sorry I was typing quickly and made a typo. I'm aware that the gauge is an off/on thing but I was just adding that it isn't totally dead. Cheers

 

[Turdle]

Try another motorcraft oil filter. Serious.

 

[Ilikemice]

Will do!


Does anyone know where to get a Motorcraft filter in the UK? I tried Rockauto but they don't seem to have it. The filter I pulled off was a Fram so I've ordered one of those for now, then I'll try to find a Motorcraft one if the problem persists.

 

[janolsson]

Will do!


Does anyone know where to get a Motorcraft filter in the UK? I tried Rockauto but they don't seem to have it. The filter I pulled off was a Fram so I've ordered one of those for now, then I'll try to find a Motorcraft one if the problem persists.

Fram are not really that good! Try and get a cooper or Mahl
I just scored a Mahl filter for £3.50 from a local factors.
Let me know if you can't get a decent one and i'll post one out

 

[Ilikemice]

I'm working 7 days a week til 9.30... I can't go anywhere to get one

If you can get one and post it that'd be great! I could even pick it up after work one night. What side of Leicester are you at?

 

[Ilikemice]

The new filter is in (Cheers Jan) but I still have the ticking noise. I'm certain it's the hydraulic tappets.

I've had a search around. Do I try a flush? Is it terminal? Am I alright to keep driving it? It drives fine with no odd noises except at tickover.

 

[janolsson]

OK rob
Does the ticking sound louder if you stick your head under the bell housing of the tranny. Have you tried the hose to listen yet. I was thinkin it could be a pulley if its from the front. When justin did the chains did he do the rear cassette??

 

[Ilikemice]

The ticking is louder from under the car but it sounds like it's reverberating in the exhaust. I put an ear to the cam covers and the noise seems to be coming from them. I'm pretty sure the noise is louder when I peered in the oil fill hole.

The death rattle I had was coming from the bottom rear of the engine so I presume Justin did both chains and guides and it's been quiet as a mouse since.

 

[Ilikemice]

Okay a bit more info since the filter change.

The tapping is still there when the engine's hot, but much much quieter now. When it's ticking at idle and you rev it, the exhaust sounds nasty and throaty.

I just started it up at lunch time and as it was cold it didn't tick. When I revved it it sounded fine.

Any ideas? I think the car feels a little sluggish now, though it could just be me driving more cautiously. The ticking is still real though

Cheers!

 

[BIGHVM]

Maybe use a good engine oil flush and try again mate- for the price of it verses peace of mind- its a winner! Good luck.

 

[Bubble18-30]

Morning Guys, I had the same ticking noise and it was coming from one of my Cats underneath, most noticable at idle standing next to the drivers door. I changed out my IAC Valve (Got one for £35 new off eBay!) and then did the Idle Adjustment procedure using a multimeter with pins for back probing on the TPS - got it spot on at 0.96v and the ticking went.

Try this excellent link from StreetRod:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=263665