Bad lifter

My son has a 96 Crown Victoria with the 4.6 engine. It has stated to make a awful noise that the NAPA guys think is a lifter ( hydraulic compensator) I have never has one of these apart, nor do I have a manual for it. Can anyone give me some insight on how this is put together? If anyone has a manual on CD could you send a picture or two out of the manual?

Thanks
Bob Wilson

My son has a 96 Crown Victoria with the 4.6 engine. It has stated to make a awful noise that the NAPA guys think is a lifter ( hydraulic compensator) I have never has one of these apart, nor do I have a manual for it. Can anyone give me some insight on how this is put together? If anyone has a manual on CD could you send a picture or two out of the manual?

Thanks
Bob Wilson

This theory is possible, but doubtful because you do not mention an "engine misfire" code being stored.

I tried to upload a photo, but apparently this site does not allow .jpg images?

Also, they are called "HVLA"s for Hydraulic Valve Lash Adjuster, and they do not make the typical "lifter noise" like you get on an pushrod engine, not at all. He may very well have a failed timing chain tensioner. Does it sound like a sewing machine at idle? If so, that's it.

This theory is possible, but doubtful because you do not mention an "engine misfire" code being stored.

I tried to upload a photo, but apparently this site does not allow .jpg images?

Also, they are called "HVLA"s for Hydraulic Valve Lash Adjuster, and they do not make the typical "lifter noise" like you get on an pushrod engine, not at all. He may very well have a failed timing chain tensioner. Does it sound like a sewing machine at idle? If so, that's it.

It could maybe considered a sewing machine noise on steroids. It does change with RPMS, sometimes the noise will stop. It will also change in volume and frequency when put in gear.

If it sounds like more than one event per revolution, then it is most likely a timing chain tensioner gone bad. While this is not at all common, it does happen, and it also requires the front cover to be removed for the repair.

ModMech,

I sent you a PM about sending you a MP3 of the noise but I need your Email.

[email protected]

Bob W

I don't do MP3s, or any other internet downloads, sorry.

I don't do MP3s, or any other internet downloads, sorry.

No problem. The noise does seem to be more often than once per revolution. And it will stop making the noise for a bit then start again.

Bob W

Unfortuneately, that does seem more like a tensioner than a HVLA. The "good" part, is that it is really not at all difficult to replace the tensioner(s), especially on the '98 up cars w/o mechanical fans.

No problem. The noise does seem to be more often than once per revolution. And it will stop making the noise for a bit then start again.

Bob W

Have you thought about it maybe being carbon buildup in the engine?? my 94 grandmarquis made a ticking noise and it would speed up as i pressed on the gas,, ended up being carbon buildup in my cylinders.. all i did was dump in fuel injector cleaner, filled it up with premium gas, and took it up to a slow steady 65mph on the highway,, and cleaned it out...

hope that helps

How about something even simpler. maybe the fan belt idler. I have had quite a few go bad, some squeal, some chirp, and some only act up when its cold. Try removing the fan belt and spin the idler, if it makes noise chances are thats the problem. Also with the fan belt disconnected, start the car, but don't run it too long and see if the noise is still there, if so look towards an engine part. BTW the overhead cam engines don't have a hydralic lifter.