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96 ford windstar 3.8 engine knock and transmittion downshifting


dennis greer
05-25-2005, 10:56 PM
Hello, new forum reader. Have 2 major problems with my 96 ford
3.8 windstar that I can't seem to solve. After 2 motors and 3 transmittions, problems continue. When vehicle is started and in park, engine has knock that seems to travel around at idle speed. Noise subsides when accelerating but doesn't go away. When in gear with foot on break the noise completely disappears. Any thoughts? Also, transmittion downshifts on its own while driving, no matter what speed. If you stop and turn engine off and wait 5 minutes, the problem goes away. This could reoccur often or go for months and not surface. Transmittion works perfectly until this occurs. I have spent lots trying to solve and same identical problems occur, even when replacing motor or transmittion. I just want to get it running to sell. Please help!!!

CoachKarl
05-26-2005, 12:14 AM
Hello Dennis,

My guess is . . . your knock is a faulty (clogged) valve lifter. This would be good news if you wanted to drive this car for awhile. Bent pushrods are the other expensive reason for a "knock" and are persistant. Lifter problems "I've heard" can be fixed with additives, but my own experience is that a proper head job is in order.

Karl.


Karl.

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