Infamous MACH/COBRA "head tick" - Lone Star Stangs

seco · 10-11-2008, 07:23 PM

i'm new to the 4 valve world. Own a 03 mach 1. Need someone to enlighten me on the "head tick"

lazer96gt · 10-11-2008, 08:16 PM

I don't know the specifics, but my car started to tick at 50k and went 65k more miles with no problems. The piston ring was the cause of my 4v failure. It's annoying, but if everything is good I wouldn't worry about it.

seco · 10-11-2008, 10:02 PM

well i found this regarding TSB tick noise

TSB 03-11-04 Engine - Mustang Cobra - Tick Noise From Engine - Cobra Vehicles Equippe - ModularFords.com

kind of bummed out b/c mine appears to show this "tick" symptom
drivers head. I am needing some feedback from LSS regarding this
head tick noise. What's the fix? A neighbor suggested i do a compression
test before i continue putting miles on her but said this valve guide
tick shouldn't be catastrophic.... IDK what you think? huge thanks

**lobra97** · 10-11-2008, 11:07 PM

do all termies do that? i've heard that complaint before, is it an expensive fix? i read the article, i assume it is. that sux

**TRM8ER** · 10-12-2008, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seco

well i found this regarding TSB tick noise

TSB 03-11-04 Engine - Mustang Cobra - Tick Noise From Engine - Cobra Vehicles Equippe - ModularFords.com

kind of bummed out b/c mine appears to show this "tick" symptom
drivers head. I am needing some feedback from LSS regarding this
head tick noise. What's the fix? A neighbor suggested i do a compression
test before i continue putting miles on her but said this valve guide
tick shouldn't be catastrophic.... IDK what you think? huge thanks

If you have the head tick, the only fix to replace with the updated heads that came out in '05 I think. Either that, or live with it. I have not heard of any blown motors being caused by the head tick.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lobra97

do all termies do that? i've heard that complaint before, is it an expensive fix? i read the article, i assume it is. that sux

No, not all cobras have the head tick, just mostly the '03's. Also, it's not a termi, it's a cobra, and if ya gotta call it something else call it a Terminator. Google termi and see what ya come up with in referring to a type of car.

**lobra97** · 10-12-2008, 12:24 AM

oh ok. figuered i could call it a "termie" seeing as how i own a cobra. part of the svt family just not an 03 supercharged cobra.but i see where your coming from.

**lobra97** · 10-12-2008, 12:28 AM

googled termie, here ya go!

**lobra97** · 10-12-2008, 12:28 AM

lol!!^

**TRM8ER** · 10-12-2008, 01:26 AM

If ya get a chance, find this book: "Iron Fist, Lead Foot", you can learn alot about the car. It's about the creation and story of the 03/04 Cobra. And BTW, no where in the book is the cobra referred to as termie

.

Welcome to the home of "Iron Fist, Lead Foot"...

**lobra97** · 10-12-2008, 01:28 AM

lol ok ok. you win. i know a lot of people refer to it as that, didn't think anyone would really protest to the nickname, but i get it.

**lobra97** · 10-12-2008, 01:28 AM

so many people have called it on her before, why the protest now? just wondeirng?>

**TRM8ER** · 10-12-2008, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lobra97

so many people have called it on her before, why the protest now? just wondeirng?>

I guess because termie sounds pretty gay. It would be like me calling your cobra, cobie. Sounds gay, right? I think so. I really don't see too many people calling it that on the site. It's not really a protest, it just urks me everytime I see that word.

**lobra97** · 10-12-2008, 01:41 AM

lol! yeah i see where your coming from. lol fuck that, mine isn't a COBIE! lol ^

4.6stanger · 10-12-2008, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seco

well i found this regarding TSB tick noise

TSB 03-11-04 Engine - Mustang Cobra - Tick Noise From Engine - Cobra Vehicles Equippe - ModularFords.com

kind of bummed out b/c mine appears to show this "tick" symptom
drivers head. I am needing some feedback from LSS regarding this
head tick noise. What's the fix? A neighbor suggested i do a compression
test before i continue putting miles on her but said this valve guide
tick shouldn't be catastrophic.... IDK what you think? huge thanks

WHy dont you take it to the dealer, to see if they can do anything about it. they Should if its a TSB.

SUfanINsa · 10-12-2008, 03:26 PM

most who call it a Termie have gotten slapped around for it just do a search

X2CRAYZIX · 10-12-2008, 07:12 PM

who really cares

**lobra97** · 10-12-2008, 07:39 PM

well i do, i don't wanna get slapped ya know? lol^
i wonder if they have a poll for those who have gotten slapped for the name calling. lol

BlackSunshine01 · 10-12-2008, 08:00 PM

i rember hearing about this too. also have heard the way to tell that it has been fixed is if the head has blue spraypaint going down it. but then again i dont own a 4v.

lazer96gt · 10-12-2008, 10:43 PM

I see alot of "Termi" on SVTP. Didn't know it was an issue.

**lobra97** · 10-12-2008, 10:45 PM

^thanks, thats why i figuered it was ok, but i guess since i hadn't been slapped i wouldn't know. lol

lazer96gt · 10-13-2008, 12:37 AM

Found this. It only mentions the Cobra but I'm sure this applies to all C head Mustangs. I'm sure this was similar to my 4V tick. LH as well.

ENGINE - MUSTANG COBRA - TICK NOISE FROM ENGINE - COBRA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ENGINES BUILT BEFORE 11/1/2002 ONLY

FORD: 2003 MUSTANG

ISSUE:
Some 2003 Mustang Cobra vehicles with engines built before 11/1/2002 may exhibit an unusual engine tick noise that is present at all temperatures during idle. This noise may be due to valve guide wear in the left bank cylinder head. Guide wear manifests itself as a tick noise which can be heard at the rear of LH head, through LH catalyst, at the LH front wheel well and may not be heard with the hood open.

ACTION:
Use the diagnostic procedures listed in this article to evaluate the vehicle condition and replace the cylinder head if applicable. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

NOTE: THIS REPLACEMENT CYLINDER HEAD WILL NOT IMPROVE OR REDUCE PERFORMANCE.

In order to diagnose noise, the following items must be checked.

Verify noise by placing a stethoscope on the back of the left head near the exhaust ports.
Verify that the noise is heard in the left side exhaust system (left side wheel well or catalytic converter, from underneath the vehicle).
Try to isolate the noise by canceling the cylinders, by unplugging the injectors one at a time (start with #8 cylinder).
Verify that there are no exhaust manifold leaks.
Check to make sure that the camshaft spacers are in place. If not, install cam spacers and retest vehicle.
Check for proper cam sprocket bolt torque, retorque to spec
Check for spongy lash adjusters
Verify that the timing chain tensioner pin has been removed.
If the above diagnostics does not eliminate the noise while the cylinders are cancelled, and the engine was built prior to 11/1/2002, replace the left side cylinder head and cam assembly with Part Number 3R2Z-6049-GA.

2k4mk1 · 10-13-2008, 06:46 AM

My 04 has 45k on it and I have no tick
Quick ck is park it running with the D/S close to a wall. If it ticks you will hear it.
Also dont confuse the injector ticking noise for the other "tick"

**RaceRat** · 10-13-2008, 08:22 AM

The tick that Ford refers to in the TSB's posted here is very obvious and sounds like you have serious engine damage.

In an open area with the car running and the hood closed, kneel next to the driver's side wheel well. If it sounds like metal on metal and the motor is going to fall out of the car, you could have the tick. Otherwise, it's injector noise, exhaust leak or normal engine noise.

If you have longtubes, I almost guarantee it an exhaust leak. 99.99% of these cars with LT's have/develop a small exhaust leak.

Speaking of spark plugs. Check them. A plug that's working it's way loose will rattle and tick and cost you a motor.

Also, check/change the blower oil if you haven't recently. The Heaton's are very rattly when the oil gets low or old.

Have you done any high speed pulls in the car recently? Have you done a leak down test?

Quote:

Originally Posted by lobra97

do all termies do that?

No. Very few Terminators actually have a tick due to valve guide wear. My car was built in May 02 and never had a tick. Of all the 03/04's I've heard personally in the last 6 years (several hundreds), only ONE had the head tick and it was very, very obvious.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4.6stanger

WHy dont you take it to the dealer, to see if they can do anything about it. they Should if its a TSB.

A TSB does not automatically qualify for warranty work. It is not the same as a recall. If the car is out of warranty, Ford is not likely to fix a TSB problem.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackSunshine01

i rember hearing about this too. also have heard the way to tell that it has been fixed is if the head has blue spraypaint going down it. but then again i dont own a 4v.

100% False. Blue paint on the head has nothing to do with this problem. Some cars had blue stripes on the driver's side, some passenger side, some both, some none. There is no correlation.
The revised heads weren't released until after production ceased and have more spark plug threads.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2k4mk1

My 04 has 45k on it and I have no tick
Quick ck is park it running with the D/S close to a wall. If it ticks you will hear it.
Also dont confuse the injector ticking noise for the other "tick"

You're right about the injector noise.
Driving next to a wall in 03/04 Cobra will just make everyone paranoid about having the tick! There's a reason these cars don't have knock sensors...it's because the motors are so damn noisy!

seco · 10-13-2008, 12:28 PM

thanks 2k4mk1 and RaceRat and all....

i have a garage and I park on left side so the tick is indeed obvious
with hood closed. I confirmed the tick is not the injectors, but the
tick isn't loud like the "motor gonna fall out of car" as RaceRat put it.
I know what exhaust leaks sound like.... and it doesn't seem be that.
I'll see about the spark plugs, compression check, leakdown test...
What's done during a "leakdown test"?
I've heard of some type of T fitting kit one can buy to better
distribute coolant flow to drivers head. How true is this? What's
all involved with installing this T fitting? What does TSB stand for?
I drive a 2003 Mach 1.
Sorry for all the questions

.... LSS has always been an excellent
source of tech advice for me

lazer96gt · 10-13-2008, 01:15 PM

my tick was minimal. didn't sound like a major issues. We have had a couple 4v cars on the lot over the years with the tick. I've heard of the 4v tick ALOT, but no one ever describes their noise as massive. Maybe this is why the TSB only covered some cars. They knew that the ones with minimal tick were not a major issue.

311-420 · 10-13-2008, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lazer96gt

I see alot of "Termi" on SVTP. Didn't know it was an issue.

didnt realize that was a problem for some people either...wow..

lilblue302 · 10-16-2008, 10:31 PM

TSB = technical service bulletin

ridestang89 · 10-17-2008, 10:24 PM

termi,termi,termi,termi,termi,termi,termi,termi, ok gotta go i will return tommorow with termi, lol

**lobra97** · 10-17-2008, 10:32 PM

lol^^

96greengt · 10-18-2008, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seco

What's done during a "leakdown test"? That test will do nothing for you

I've heard of some type of T fitting kit one can buy to better
distribute coolant flow to drivers head. How true is this? Your engine has that already

What does TSB stand for? Technical Service Bulletin
I drive a 2003 Mach 1.
Sorry for all the questions

.... LSS has always been an excellent
source of tech advice for me

A TSB is just a fix that the engineers and Ford have released to aid the dealer techs in repairs, by no means is a TSB a RECALL for a FREE repair, only RECALLS/CAMPAIGNS are Free from the dealers.

10-11-2008, 07:23 PM	#1
seco 4 valve Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: North Texas Posts: 1,024 iTrader: (0)	Infamous MACH/COBRA "head tick" i'm new to the 4 valve world. Own a 03 mach 1. Need someone to enlighten me on the "head tick"

10-11-2008, 08:16 PM	#2
lazer96gt LoneStarStangs Addict Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Antonio Posts: 1,560 iTrader: (6)	I don't know the specifics, but my car started to tick at 50k and went 65k more miles with no problems. The piston ring was the cause of my 4v failure. It's annoying, but if everything is good I wouldn't worry about it. __________________ 96 SVT#6858 of 7496 http://videos.streetfire.net/video/9...bra_193899.htm Click the link below. Inventory updated regularly. http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dd...um_records=100 210-658-6296 or call toll free 1-866-221-1190

10-11-2008, 10:02 PM	#3
seco 4 valve Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: North Texas Posts: 1,024 iTrader: (0)	well i found this regarding TSB tick noise TSB 03-11-04 Engine - Mustang Cobra - Tick Noise From Engine - Cobra Vehicles Equippe - ModularFords.com kind of bummed out b/c mine appears to show this "tick" symptom drivers head. I am needing some feedback from LSS regarding this head tick noise. What's the fix? A neighbor suggested i do a compression test before i continue putting miles on her but said this valve guide tick shouldn't be catastrophic.... IDK what you think? huge thanks Last edited by seco; 10-11-2008 at 10:07 PM.

10-12-2008, 03:26 PM	#15
SUfanINsa Authorized HATE™ Dealer Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Converse Posts: 8,424 iTrader: (3)	most who call it a Termie have gotten slapped around for it just do a search __________________ "THATS RIGHT BITCHES

10-12-2008, 07:12 PM	#16
X2CRAYZIX LoneStarStangs Addict Join Date: May 2008 Location: Universal City Posts: 2,257 iTrader: (6) Real Name: Cris My Mustang Pictures	who really cares __________________ The White Fro is now Famous!!! Instead of the Black Crows its the White Fros!!!

10-11-2008, 11:07 PM	#4
lobra97 FAIL Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: san antonio Posts: 3,178 iTrader: (0)	do all termies do that? i've heard that complaint before, is it an expensive fix? i read the article, i assume it is. that sux

10-12-2008, 12:24 AM	#6
lobra97 FAIL Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: san antonio Posts: 3,178 iTrader: (0)	oh ok. figuered i could call it a "termie" seeing as how i own a cobra. part of the svt family just not an 03 supercharged cobra.but i see where your coming from.

10-12-2008, 12:28 AM	#7
lobra97 FAIL Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: san antonio Posts: 3,178 iTrader: (0)	googled termie, here ya go!

10-12-2008, 01:26 AM	#9
TRM8ER I gotta catch a glimpse of those warlocks!!! Join Date: May 2005 Location: san antonio Posts: 1,627 iTrader: (5)	If ya get a chance, find this book: "Iron Fist, Lead Foot", you can learn alot about the car. It's about the creation and story of the 03/04 Cobra. And BTW, no where in the book is the cobra referred to as termie . Welcome to the home of "Iron Fist, Lead Foot"...

10-12-2008, 01:28 AM	#10
lobra97 FAIL Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: san antonio Posts: 3,178 iTrader: (0)	lol ok ok. you win. i know a lot of people refer to it as that, didn't think anyone would really protest to the nickname, but i get it.

10-12-2008, 01:41 AM	#13
lobra97 FAIL Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: san antonio Posts: 3,178 iTrader: (0)	lol! yeah i see where your coming from. lol fuck that, mine isn't a COBIE! lol ^

10-12-2008, 07:39 PM	#17
lobra97 FAIL Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: san antonio Posts: 3,178 iTrader: (0)	well i do, i don't wanna get slapped ya know? lol^ i wonder if they have a poll for those who have gotten slapped for the name calling. lol

10-12-2008, 08:00 PM	#18
BlackSunshine01 METAL! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: north east s.a. Posts: 1,174 iTrader: (0)	i rember hearing about this too. also have heard the way to tell that it has been fixed is if the head has blue spraypaint going down it. but then again i dont own a 4v. __________________ getting there2"drop,borla stingers,sct x-cal

10-12-2008, 10:43 PM	#19
lazer96gt LoneStarStangs Addict Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Antonio Posts: 1,560 iTrader: (6)	I see alot of "Termi" on SVTP. Didn't know it was an issue.

10-12-2008, 10:45 PM	#20
lobra97 FAIL Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: san antonio Posts: 3,178 iTrader: (0)	^thanks, thats why i figuered it was ok, but i guess since i hadn't been slapped i wouldn't know. lol

10-13-2008, 06:46 AM	#22
2k4mk1 WHERE'S MY CHECK AT FOOL?????!!!!!!!! Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: SanAntonio Posts: 8,154 iTrader: (4) Real Name: Don	My 04 has 45k on it and I have no tick Quick ck is park it running with the D/S close to a wall. If it ticks you will hear it. Also dont confuse the injector ticking noise for the other "tick" __________________ 04 Oxford White MACH1,5 SPD with IUP,K&NAircharger Borla Stingers,SLP Catted X pipe,Tri-ax,SCT Flashtune,Max Mtr Spt 4 bolt adj C/C plates, Drilled/Slotted rotors all 4 corners. 17x9 frt 17x10 rear D/D Blk bullitt's 281 rwhp on Mustang Dyno,306 rwhp on a Dynojet 94 Black Lightning Daily Driver&85GT FACH1 Project under construction

10-13-2008, 12:37 AM	#21
lazer96gt LoneStarStangs Addict Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Antonio Posts: 1,560 iTrader: (6)	Found this. It only mentions the Cobra but I'm sure this applies to all C head Mustangs. I'm sure this was similar to my 4V tick. LH as well. ENGINE - MUSTANG COBRA - TICK NOISE FROM ENGINE - COBRA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ENGINES BUILT BEFORE 11/1/2002 ONLY FORD: 2003 MUSTANG ISSUE: Some 2003 Mustang Cobra vehicles with engines built before 11/1/2002 may exhibit an unusual engine tick noise that is present at all temperatures during idle. This noise may be due to valve guide wear in the left bank cylinder head. Guide wear manifests itself as a tick noise which can be heard at the rear of LH head, through LH catalyst, at the LH front wheel well and may not be heard with the hood open. ACTION: Use the diagnostic procedures listed in this article to evaluate the vehicle condition and replace the cylinder head if applicable. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details. SERVICE PROCEDURE NOTE: THIS REPLACEMENT CYLINDER HEAD WILL NOT IMPROVE OR REDUCE PERFORMANCE. In order to diagnose noise, the following items must be checked. Verify noise by placing a stethoscope on the back of the left head near the exhaust ports. Verify that the noise is heard in the left side exhaust system (left side wheel well or catalytic converter, from underneath the vehicle). Try to isolate the noise by canceling the cylinders, by unplugging the injectors one at a time (start with #8 cylinder). Verify that there are no exhaust manifold leaks. Check to make sure that the camshaft spacers are in place. If not, install cam spacers and retest vehicle. Check for proper cam sprocket bolt torque, retorque to spec Check for spongy lash adjusters Verify that the timing chain tensioner pin has been removed. If the above diagnostics does not eliminate the noise while the cylinders are cancelled, and the engine was built prior to 11/1/2002, replace the left side cylinder head and cam assembly with Part Number 3R2Z-6049-GA. Last edited by lazer96gt; 10-13-2008 at 12:40 AM.

10-13-2008, 12:28 PM	#24
seco 4 valve Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: North Texas Posts: 1,024 iTrader: (0)	thanks 2k4mk1 and RaceRat and all.... i have a garage and I park on left side so the tick is indeed obvious with hood closed. I confirmed the tick is not the injectors, but the tick isn't loud like the "motor gonna fall out of car" as RaceRat put it. I know what exhaust leaks sound like.... and it doesn't seem be that. I'll see about the spark plugs, compression check, leakdown test... What's done during a "leakdown test"? I've heard of some type of T fitting kit one can buy to better distribute coolant flow to drivers head. How true is this? What's all involved with installing this T fitting? What does TSB stand for? I drive a 2003 Mach 1. Sorry for all the questions.... LSS has always been an excellent source of tech advice for me

10-13-2008, 01:15 PM	#25
lazer96gt LoneStarStangs Addict Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Antonio Posts: 1,560 iTrader: (6)	my tick was minimal. didn't sound like a major issues. We have had a couple 4v cars on the lot over the years with the tick. I've heard of the 4v tick ALOT, but no one ever describes their noise as massive. Maybe this is why the TSB only covered some cars. They knew that the ones with minimal tick were not a major issue.

10-16-2008, 10:31 PM	#27
lilblue302 whiskey tango foxtrot Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Nacogdoches...and LV sometimes Posts: 504 iTrader: (1)	TSB = technical service bulletin __________________ 1987 LX 5.0 5spd with a couple of boltons

10-17-2008, 10:24 PM	#28
ridestang89 LoneStarStangs Addict Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: el paso Posts: 701 iTrader: (4) My Mustang Pictures	termi,termi,termi,termi,termi,termi,termi,termi, ok gotta go i will return tommorow with termi, lol

10-17-2008, 10:32 PM	#29
lobra97 FAIL Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: san antonio Posts: 3,178 iTrader: (0)	lol^^

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