Engine tapping hard at idle and all RPMs.

[Blackened300a]

Last week, #2 spark plug blew out again. It shorted the coil and took the threads. It was the same one that blew out on my way to Indy last year. I was able to re-thread it last time but no such luck this time around. I purchased the insert kit for the head to replace the plug. Today we installed the insert with no issues. We made sure we blew out all the metal in the cylinders several times like in the instructions. A new coil was installed and when we started it up, it started making a loud tapping noise out of #2 cyl. I can unplug the coil and the tap changes tone and then gets louder when I plug the coil back in. I hear it in the intake not in the exhaust so it may be valve related.
I removed the intake manifold and looked at the intake valves and they are clear and clean. I also blew out all the cylinders and took the plug back out to clear any debris. I also did a compression test and was pushing about 170 in that cyl so I'm pretty much at a loss at the moment. Tomorrow I plan on pulling the valve cover and see what it looks like under there.
Ill try to take a video tomorrow. Basically it sounds like a hammer being hit on the inside of the intake manifold. The engine idles smooth and don't miss, it just has the loud tapping all the time.

I hope to find someone in the area that know what they are looking at with these engines and know how to tear them down.

[musclemerc]

Best of luck getting her repaired.

[Ktorres1]

Keep us updated I think I heard a similar noise just yesterday from right by heck as a matter of fact cylinder #2! Ima check now because I hope it was just a coincidence of me losing a wrench under the hood

[dohc324ci]

This brings back bad memories that still haunts me today. Question though did you put in a heli coil or steel insert the last blow out?

Good luck.

[LeoVampire]

I supose there is a chance that the old heli coil got caught and crushed in one of the valves.

But I hope your looking at a much easier situation to handle than a tear down and repair.

[FordNut]

There is a complete engine for sale in the classifieds.

[Blackened300a]

This brings back bad memories that still haunts me today. Question though did you put in a heli coil or steel insert the last blow out?

Good luck.

The last blow out didnt take the threads. I t must have backed itself out and I was able to save re-insert the plug.


I supose there is a chance that the old heli coil got caught and crushed in one of the valves.

But I hope your looking at a much easier situation to handle than a tear down and repair.
Im exploring all options. I have $3500 set aside to repair this.


There is a complete engine for sale in the classifieds.

Im keeping all options open. Tomorrow I will look to see under the valve cover if its a valve or piston.

[ImpalaSlayer]

damn dude sorry to hear. that really sucks.

[Motorhead350]

Sorry to hear this Paul.

Good luck!

[LeoVampire]

Before you tear it down do a leak test if you can to try an pinpoint the problem between the exhaust, intake and so forth.

How well are you set up for tools and equipment @ your place?

[Zack]

Pull the cam cover and check if one of the 2 followers came off and is making the noise.

The car will run just the same with one off due to it having 2 valves per intake/exhaust

[fastblackmerc]

Pull the cam cover and check if one of the 2 followers came off and is making the noise.

The car will run just the same with one off due to it having 2 valves per intake/exhaust

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
That is what I'd suspect.

[Blackened300a]

I found a really good Ford mechanic local to my shop. I drove the car the few miles and it ran great, no loss of power, no hesitations and nothing abnormal other then the noise. The guy heard the noise and said it sounds like the typical wrist pin slap after detonation. Hes pulling it apart to inspect further into it. I should have a call this afternoon to see what the damages are.

[babbage]

Sucks man, sorry about that. I hope it's not major.

[ImpalaSlayer]

damn that sucks dude. i got half way to work today and turned around because of a loud clanking sound :alone:.

[Blackened300a]

damn that sucks dude. i got half way to work today and turned around because of a loud clanking sound :alone:.

Oh man. I hope you arent in the same boat as me.

[ImpalaSlayer]

Oh man. I hope you arent in the same boat as me.

me to man, but i think it might be this damn pulley AGAIN!

how far is this guy tearing down your motor?

[Blackened300a]

me to man, but i think it might be this damn pulley AGAIN!

how far is this guy tearing down your motor?

Right now he is doing what he can to pinpoint the noise. Then he will call me to inform me what needs to be done. Im hoping for the best.

[DOOM]

Best of luck Paul! Hope it's nothing serious!

My motor makes an annoying tapping sound that I can't stand.
I have no clue WTF it is! but the car runs fine so I don't even worry about it anymore.

[Blackened300a]

Best of luck Paul! Hope it's nothing serious!

My motor makes an annoying tapping sound that I can't stand.
I have no clue WTF it is! but the car runs fine so I don't even worry about it anymore.

Mine is beyond annoying. Its like taking a hammer and just beating inside the intake manifold. It sucks man. I never thought I would have to open the engine up for anything.

[Blackened300a]

The Verdict is in!!!!!! #2 Piston wrist pin. :alone:

Ill get a price on what it will cost to tear it down tomorrow. I have no plans on going bigger and better at this time due to my financial situation so a repair will do just fine unless I blow it up completely. Even the mechanic said that its not worth trying to throw in a junk yard engine because the insides of mine are immaculate and it runs so good even with the bad wrist pin.

Carlisle with the Marauder may be a reality after all.

[CBT]

Ouch. Well like the old saying goes, it could have been worse. I'll add an extra 5 bucks to my Carlisle shirt cost to help ya a lil bit.





The Verdict is in!!!!!! #2 Piston wrist pin. :alone:

Ill get a price on what it will cost to tear it down tomorrow. I have no plans on going bigger and better at this time due to my financial situation so a repair will do just fine unless I blow it up completely. Even the mechanic said that its not worth trying to throw in a junk yard engine because the insides of mine are immaculate and it runs so good even with the bad wrist pin.

Carlisle with the Marauder may be a reality after all.

[SMOKE]

Good(ish) news....

J

[babbage]

remind me again - which piston is #2 ?

[FordNut]

The Verdict is in!!!!!! #2 Piston wrist pin. :alone:

Ill get a price on what it will cost to tear it down tomorrow. I have no plans on going bigger and better at this time due to my financial situation so a repair will do just fine unless I blow it up completely. Even the mechanic said that its not worth trying to throw in a junk yard engine because the insides of mine are immaculate and it runs so good even with the bad wrist pin.

Carlisle with the Marauder may be a reality after all.

I've got a set of 8 good OEM pistons, rods, wrist pins for $20 plus shipping.

[Blackened300a]

I've got a set of 8 good OEM pistons, rods, wrist pins for $20 plus shipping.

I may take you up on this offer depending on what he is going to charge me for parts.

I appreciate it.

[Zack]

How can he determine its a wrist pin without tearing it down?

[Blackened300a]

How can he determine its a wrist pin without tearing it down?

He had the cam cover off and everything was fine with the heads cams and the valves. The only thing it could be was the piston.
Listening to the noise he knew it was a wrist pin because he did several of these engines in mustangs with the same noise.

[Motorhead350]

Could this be punishment for lack of daily driving? Sorry had to say it.

I would take up Brian's offer, but sounds like you are about to.

[justbob]

Damn Paul, that sucks. Hope you all the best.

[LeoVampire]

I am glad you found the problem and no major damage but still sorry about the repair that is ahead of you!

I hope you can handle it okay and still be back in business in short order without too much of an empty wallet!

[rayjay]

Sorry to hear this Paul. Hope it works out.

[Blackened300a]

I am glad you found the problem and no major damage but still sorry about the repair that is ahead of you!

I hope you can handle it okay and still be back in business in short order without too much of an empty wallet!

Thanks for the encouragement. :)
The wallet will be empty for a bit. If I didn't love this car as much as I do or if I wasn't as dedicated to MM.net as I am, I would have probably sold the car for a loss and moved on. Instead the bank account will be taking a torpedo after this. Looks like headers, full exhaust and a tune are going to have to be put on hold for a while.
Besides, I couldn't miss out competing against all the new Carlisle attendee's this year! I have big shoes to fill taking home the gold at Marauderville for best NA car so I have to defend my title. :D



Sorry to hear this Paul. Hope it works out.

Thanks Ray, its amazing how the right amount of cash will make things better. :D:bigcry::depress:

[tjl006]

Sorry to hear this man. I know how it feels, just paid the shop for my heads could of bought some nice headers with that money.

[Blackened300a]

Sorry to hear this man. I know how it feels, just paid the shop for my heads could of bought some nice headers with that money.

Yeah, I probably could have done a Eaton swap with what Im looking at paying.
The things I do for this car!!!!! :help:

[SpartaPerformance]

The quest for the impossible must not die!!

[LeoVampire]

Thanks for the encouragement. :)
The wallet will be empty for a bit. If I didn't love this car as much as I do or if I wasn't as dedicated to MM.net as I am, I would have probably sold the car for a loss and moved on. Instead the bank account will be taking a torpedo after this. Looks like headers, full exhaust and a tune are going to have to be put on hold for a while.
Besides, I couldn't miss out competing against all the new Carlisle attendee's this year! I have big shoes to fill taking home the gold at Marauderville for best NA car so I have to defend my title. :D




Thanks Ray, its amazing how the right amount of cash will make things better. :D:bigcry::depress:


Don't worry about me I am going because it is something I wanted to do for years now. Meet all of you and have a bit of a vacation as well as see a ton of Ford's together something my Dad would have loved if he was still alive.
Yes I like to win stuff for the work on the Marauder but I go to shows and cruise events to have fun meet new people and talk about the Marauder with them.
Not looking to take anyone's titles away from them or create waves rather make friends instead.
:beer:

[Blackened300a]

Yes I like to win stuff for the work on the Marauder but I go to shows and cruise events to have fun meet new people and talk about the Marauder with them.
Not looking to take anyone's titles away from them or create waves rather make friends instead.
:beer:

We do it for the fun. The trophy is a bonus. It just makes us work harder to try again next year. ;)

[ImpalaSlayer]

We do it for the fun. The trophy is a bonus. It just makes us work harder to try again next year. ;)


TRUTH!

may car is completely different from last year!

[Blackened300a]

UPDATE...

Tonight the engine is coming out and being torn down. They are going to go through the engine and see if it needs anything. Their personal opinion is that its in excellent shape besides the wrist pin so it will be a piston and maybe a rod. This is why we opted to fix the damage in my strong running engine rather then replacing the engine with one of unknown mileage and condition.

Tomorrow Ill get the full report on what they found and what Ill need.

[tjl006]

Whos doing the work?

[Blackened300a]

Whos doing the work?

I found a guy that was involved with the race team we had at one time. He's very particular and detailed with his work so I trust him with my car.
There is a guy out in Medford that knows mod motors well. He will be doing the teardown and repairs.
Ill get some info and a name if you need it. He said 4 days so I hope to have the car back on the road next week sometime.

[ImpalaSlayer]

I found a guy that was involved with the race team we had at one time. He's very particular and detailed with his work so I trust him with my car.
There is a guy out in Medford that knows mod motors well. He will be doing the teardown and repairs.
Ill get some info and a name if you need it. He said 4 days so I hope to have the car back on the road next week sometime.

sweet dude. you gona have that head fixed for the spark plug hole while its out?

[Blackened300a]

sweet dude. you gona have that head fixed for the spark plug hole while its out?

They are going to put steel inserts in all the threads. I'll never have this issue ever again.

Heads and cams are immaculate as well as inside the block. Synthetic really does make a difference in the cleanliness of the inside of the engine.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d12/blackened300a/c483939d.jpg

And for the sad pic...
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d12/blackened300a/5fec9242.jpg

[tjl006]

Yeah Paul if you can get me the name of the shop or guy, its always good to network. Man your engine bay looks real clean even with no motor.

[babbage]

Nice PI converter - mine looks the same.

Which cylinder is number #2???

[Blackened300a]

Nice PI converter - mine looks the same.

Which cylinder is number #2???

Passenger side, 2nd from the front.

[babbage]

Passenger side, 2nd from the front.

thanks, I was wondering if it had to do with the rear head cooling deal.
Good luck. Sorry again about the bad luck..

A nice port match to the headers would be easy to do while the heads are off??

[Blackened300a]

thanks, I was wondering if it had to do with the rear head cooling deal.
Good luck. Sorry again about the bad luck..

A nice port match to the headers would be easy to do while the heads are off??

This had nothing to do with the cooling of the rear of the heads. Thats on the drivers side #8 cyl. Totally unrelated. In fact I want him to look at that side to see if there is any indication of a burnt valve. I have 68K miles and no cooling mod done.

My header money is being spent for this repair. :(

[merc]

Very sad to hear your problems. Could it be a good time to upgrade the bottom end.

[Blackened300a]

Very sad to hear your problems. Could it be a good time to upgrade the bottom end.

I would if I could afford it at this time. The repair is going to have to do at this moment. If I decide to improve, it will be with a new engine, top to bottom and Ill just swap it out.

[merc]

If you are already in the motor, why not add a set of rods pistons and rings. I can't look into your wallet, but if the motors out that's half of the battle.

[LeoVampire]

sorry about your header money savings!!!

But look @ it this way you should be good to go for a long time down the road now to build up the fund all over again.

Are you going to do the cooling mod now that it is apart anyways @ least?

[Blackened300a]

sorry about your header money savings!!!

But look @ it this way you should be good to go for a long time down the road now to build up the fund all over again.

Are you going to do the cooling mod now that it is apart anyways @ least?


The cooling mod had nothing to do with this failure. If there is any sign of heat damage to the valves due to lack of cooling, then Ill invest. I don't need the engine out to install the cooling mod. I would do the one that uses the freeze plugs behind the intake.

[LeoVampire]

The cooling mod had nothing to do with this failure. If there is any sign of heat damage to the valves due to lack of cooling, then Ill invest. I don't need the engine out to install the cooling mod. I would do the one that uses the freeze plugs behind the intake.

Yep I realize they are unrelated just thought while it was out and appart it would be worth the the preventative measure.

[Blackened300a]

UPDATE...

Piston was replaced and all new rings were installed. Everything else in the engine is 100%. Today the engine is together and getting a protective coat of paint on the block to keep the engine looking clean.

The engine should be back either tomorrow or Thursday and I should have the car back for the weekend just in time for my 10 hour detailing job to get it ready for Carlisle.

[ImpalaSlayer]

good to hear Paul!

[babbage]

Glad it wasn't major. Post some pics of your engine if you can..

[djv5150]

I've got a set of 8 good OEM pistons, rods, wrist pins for $20 plus shipping.

Are these still available, are they complete with bearings PM me I will take them.

[Blackened300a]

UPDATE.

With days left to spare, the engine is complete with 8 new forged pistons and rings and all the heads have steel inserts installed to prevent any chance of a blow out again. It will be installed hopefully tomorrow so I can have the car back for Wednesday. That leaves Wednesday night and Thursday to get it in shape for Carlisle unless there is a problem. Otherwise Ill be seeing you guys in my Fusion.

Nothing like cutting it so close. :shake:

[FordNut]

Are these still available, are they complete with bearings PM me I will take them.

Yes, they are still available, no bearings.

[ImpalaSlayer]

UPDATE.

With days left to spare, the engine is complete with 8 new forged pistons and rings and all the heads have steel inserts installed to prevent any chance of a blow out again. It will be installed hopefully tomorrow so I can have the car back for Wednesday. That leaves Wednesday night and Thursday to get it in shape for Carlisle unless there is a problem. Otherwise Ill be seeing you guys in my Fusion.

Nothing like cutting it so close. :shake:

i hear ya man, im bout to just drive the bronco up. car is still apart and making a new noise every time i drive it. bout to push it off a cliff

[LeoVampire]

Well I hope she is good to go for you and no need to bring the Fusion even though you would be saving some gas.

I would hate to see all the rush work wasted with her not ready for the trip as that seemed to be your primary goal to get to Carlisle with her!

Either way it will be nice to meet you. :beer:

[justbob]

UPDATE.

With days left to spare, the engine is complete with 8 new forged pistons and rings and all the heads have steel inserts installed to prevent any chance of a blow out again. It will be installed hopefully tomorrow so I can have the car back for Wednesday. That leaves Wednesday night and Thursday to get it in shape for Carlisle unless there is a problem. Otherwise Ill be seeing you guys in my Fusion.

Nothing like cutting it so close. :shake:
Thats great news Paul! Seems that I live life in the cutting it close lane...

i hear ya man, im bout to just drive the bronco up. car is still apart and making a new noise every time i drive it. bout to push it off a cliff

That sucks Dave, not to hijack, still alot of alternator issues or worse yet?

[FordNut]

Are these still available, are they complete with bearings PM me I will take them.

email sent

[Blackened300a]

UPDATE! Ill let the pic explain.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs513.ash1/30281_403415450674_790625674_4 223052_6517778_n.jpg

[FordNut]

I don't understand... Either it's coming apart and out again or it is being reinstalled half-way assembled.

[Blackened300a]

Reinstalled. Tomorrow is start-up.

[FordNut]

So where are the valve covers, damper, water pump, etc?

[Blackened300a]

So where are the valve covers, damper, water pump, etc?

That was in the process of being installed as I left. They said tomorrow morning it should be all together.

[FordNut]

Seems strange to install an engine without installing those pieces while it's on the engine stand. Easier to work on it on the stand, less chance of leaks due to a gasket rolling out of the groove, less chance of scratching a fender...

[Blackened300a]

Seems strange to install an engine without installing those pieces while it's on the engine stand. Easier to work on it on the stand, less chance of leaks due to a gasket rolling out of the groove, less chance of scratching a fender...

If it leaks, Ill drive it right back. They have all kinds of foam and covers all over the front of my car plus they are extremely meticulous when it comes to working on things. That's why they have my car.

[LeoVampire]

WOW I guess it really did take a lot longer than you had planed!

But better to have it done slow and right than fast and screwed up.

[Bluerauder]

But better to have it done slow and right than fast and screwed up.

Or half-fast .... ;) Glad to see Paul's engine finally coming together but this has been a very long ordeal for him.

[RocsMerc]

The first thing I noticed in that pic was that all your bling is missing.
Then I noticed the exposed timing chain.

Seriously though, glad to hear it's all coming together. :beer:

[SMOKE]

Wire tuck!

[rayjay]

Glad to hear you are getting her back Paul. Enjoy!

[ImpalaSlayer]

good to see its coming together. i found it kinda odd they didnt install the covers while it was on the stand as well.

[Blackened300a]

good to see its coming together. i found it kinda odd they didnt install the covers while it was on the stand as well.

I have no idea either. They must not know how fun they are to install while the engine is in place.:rolleyes: