valve clatter
 

I seem to have developed some valve clattering. 4.6 L V-8, no mods at all.. 9000 miles on it. Is this normal? I have been using 93 oct. gas too. Could this be just a valve adjustment issue. I have stomped her a few times but not over redline. Plus I see some smoke sometimes when I crank her up. Thanks for any input. Plus I still got my warranty bumber to bumber 5 yrs or 75 k miles. Should I take her in for a look ?? Thanks for any advice you guys can give the ole rebel.. :surrender

I get some smoke out my pipes after shutting the car off after a morning drive to school or church. Once i shut the car off, some smoke lightly flows out of the pipes for a minute or so. As for valve clatter, I have no clue what that sounds like but I know ford's own gt manual says that 87 octance is completely safe so I'd say unless you have a chip, no reason to spend more than you need. Though I doubt higher octance could hurt.

is it like ticking sound? If so there was a Ford Technical Service Bulletin for the 2001-2004 4.6 engines that addressed......I used to have the list of TSB's, but I can't find them, but I did find this on another site.



"Ford Warns Of Defective 4.6L Engines In 2001-2004 Models.

Ford Motor Company told dealers that 4.6L 2V engines built prior to 29 September 03 and installed in 2001 through 2004 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles may have defective cylinder heads.

The engines were installed in:

? 2001 - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Cars ? 2002 - 2004 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer ? 2001 - 2004 Ford Mustang GT ? 2001 - 2004 Ford E-Series Vans ? 2001 - 2004 Expedition ? 2001 - 2004 F150s

According to Ford, the 4.6L engines "may exhibit an engine tick noise that is present at all temperatures during idle. The noise may be emanating from the valve guide area in the cylinder head. The noise may be more prevalent in the front wheel area, any may not be heard with the hood open."

Unfortunately, Ford may not notify owners of this action and will only perform the service to those who know what to ask for in order to get their vehicle fixed. It's part of Ford's secret warranty program - a.k.a, "If you don't ask, we won't tell."

Owners should contact their Ford of Lincoln Mercury dealership service center to perform service T-31604 or Pat Hoye (313) 248-8336 at Ford World Headquarters or click here for a Ford executive assigned to your area for more information. Owners are advised to have their vehicles inspected before the warranty period expires."

It's not a ticking sound. It's a clatter sound. usually when I'm in 2nd gear around 3000 to 3500 RPM's. It doesn't last real long but I can hear it . I'm thinking it's rocker arm slop, but I don't know much about OHC's. Kinda like a spark knock sound when I'm accelerating.. :(

I'm just wondering seeing how this motor has on 9 k miles. Could it just need a valve adjustment done. I know on new single cam push rod motors you usually have to have the backlash adjusted after your motor is broken in.. Is it the same with overhead cams??

JJT, thats an interesting article because when I start my car up, sometimes there is a noticeable clicking noise and popping the hood doesn't realy help bc I cant hear it from there. I hear it better under the car. Strange.

Rebelyell.....I wouldn't even mess with and take it right back to the dealership and let them take a look at it. Gotta love warranties, especially since your 100% stock.

Danny785......here is a link to the Ford TSB's.....I'm not sure if it's all of them, but it's probably pretty close

http://www.mach1registry.org/forums/...ead.php?t=8375

Take it in and let the dealership deal with it. You got a warranty, use it.

when did teh 4.6L come with rocker arms?.... must be some special one of a kind motor or something... but my buddys 4.6 blew smoke when he started it up after letting it sit for at least an hour since it wasn't under warrenty we took it apart to see what was up and the valve guides were shot it looked like it was leeking oil into they cylinders making the smoke...just and idea... also try running normal 87 octane fuel... no point in using the exspensive stuff unless you are using a different tune...

::p Told ya i don't know nuttin bout OHC's. I shoulda at least figured that out though. My bad. But I haven't heard it in the last 2 days even when getting on it kinda hard. maybe it was some bad gas (or my wobble plate was out of alignment) LOL anyway thanks for the advice.. I will let Ford deal with it if it starts again. Im sure they will make sure I haven't been racing or driving it to excess. :nono:

They have always had rocker arms they just don't look like the old style rockers in a pushrod OHV engine.The only engines that don't have rocker arms is the direct cam on valve design that use shims for valve lash adjustment.

Dont run 93 unless you have detonation or pinging, or are tuned for it. Our motors are strictly made for 87. many people will say the same.

Thanks for that info.. as I had just put in the 93 oct. before I heard it. I filled up today with 89. I still haven't heard that pinging since my 1st post. LOL. Maybe It was not up to temp when I gave some gas.

DannyB,
I had to take mine in for that TSB. They give you new heads. Mine don't tick anymore. It has to be under warenty though, and if your running O/R and thinking about taking it in they might say something.

Hmmm, never had that problem in my 02. 87,756 miles on the ol' 2v and still running strong.:cool:...