The tick and my old engine

[2003 MIB]

Blah, blah, blah...broke connecting rod...new line replacement engine installed...runs great...no problems there.
So, I was only obligated to return the long block for my core deposit. I took a socket set and tore the old engine down to the heads for parts. It was really a lot of fun and I noticed something odd:
I've got maybe 200 miles on the new engine and it doesn't have the "tick-tick-tick" at idle that I've heard on mine and at least a dozen other Marauders and DOHC equppied Ford cars. I wrote it off as "normal".
There is a girdle that sits on the top of the cams. Girdle is tight on one head but could be wiggled on the other- got the tick? Maybe this is it.

PS: I also applaud anyone who's taken off the valve covers while the engine is in the car- that looks tough...Very easy to do in the bed of a pickup while it's sitting on a pallet.

[Dr Caleb]

Girdle is tight on one head but could be wiggled on the other- got the tick? Maybe this is it.


Bingo!!

There were several discussions about the girdle bolts needing re-torqueing on the cams.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=8956&highlight=torque+cam+bolts

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=10419

[2003 MIB]

There were several discussions about the girdle bolts needing re-torqueing on the cams.
Ya know, Glenn- I knew that and had seen the discussions...I never touched it simply because remove the cover looked like a nasty job and I convinced myself that my tick wasn't as loud as what y'all had been describing...My car always had it from day one (13 miles) and until I heard the new engine I justified that it is a characteristic of the DOHC. It's not normal, folks!!!!- Quiet is normal. Any tick is an issue- even if it's not loud.

[jfclancy]

Blah, blah, blah...broke connecting rod...new line replacement engine installed...runs great...no problems there.
So, I was only obligated to return the long block for my core deposit. I took a socket set and tore the old engine down to the heads for parts. It was really a lot of fun and I noticed something odd:
I've got maybe 200 miles on the new engine and it doesn't have the "tick-tick-tick" at idle that I've heard on mine and at least a dozen other Marauders and DOHC equppied Ford cars. I wrote it off as "normal".
There is a girdle that sits on the top of the cams. Girdle is tight on one head but could be wiggled on the other- got the tick? Maybe this is it.

PS: I also applaud anyone who's taken off the valve covers while the engine is in the car- that looks tough...Very easy to do in the bed of a pickup while it's sitting on a pallet.

Hope it lasts a little longer, notice You do not claim to be fastest in Joshua?
have something to do with post it on internet and OOPS Ford can read it?

best of luck with new
Joe

[Dr Caleb]

It's not normal, folks!!!!- Quiet is normal. Any tick is an issue- even if it's not loud.

I hear ya man! I've never heard the injector tick that some talk about - even if I open my hood and listen for it.

I have to touch a screwdriver to the injectors or fuel rail and listen to it, just to hear anything except the wonderful purrrrrrrr. Is that how your new engine is?

[2003 MIB]

I hear ya man! I've never heard the injector tick that some talk about - even if I open my hood and listen for it.

I have to touch a screwdriver to the injectors or fuel rail and listen to it, just to hear anything except the wonderful purrrrrrrr. Is that how your new engine is?
Yes- I'm almost afraid to post this- I might jinx it.

[2003 MIB]

Hope it lasts a little longer, notice You do not claim to be fastest in Joshua?
have something to do with post it on internet and OOPS Ford can read it?

best of luck with new
Joe
I'm planning to drive this vehicle in the most sedate fashion you can imagine. I'm done modding and I'm done racing. Racing is bad. Modding is bad. Warranty is good. I've actually considered dropping my site name and membership- coming back as someone new. It would probably be a silly thing to do- y'all know me and somebody calls me Dan or takes a picture of the car- I'm "outed" to Ford.
So, I'll behave myself for a while until the new engine is built up to handle the stress.

[BUCKWHEAT]

I'm planning to drive this vehicle in the most sedate fashion you can imagine. I'm done modding and I'm done racing. Racing is bad. Modding is bad. Warranty is good. I've actually considered dropping my site name and membership- coming back as someone new. It would probably be a silly thing to do- y'all know me and somebody calls me Dan or takes a picture of the car- I'm "outed" to Ford.
So, I'll behave myself for a while until the new engine is built up to handle the stress.

Dan, Dan, say it ain't so! If not you, who am I going to run with? Is life coming to just so many Hondas and WRX's at Denton Dragway?

[2003 MIB]

Dan, Dan, say it ain't so! If not you, who am I going to run with? Is life coming to just so many Hondas and WRX's at Denton Dragway?
I'm afraid so. I love my car and respect her stock state as much as you and Gina love those two Dobermans...I think you know what I'm trying to say.