3.8 engine ticks with colder temps

[reino134]

I have a 94 tbird w/ 3.8 liter 64,000 miles

I have an annoying ticking sound when engine is cold, as it warms up the ticking goes away. This does not happen during the summer months at all when it is warm out. We had a cool morning the other day and sure enough it was ticking til it warmed up. I have already replaced the lifters this past winter, and it did not help at all. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

thanks
randy

[97Bird]

Be sure you are using the correct weight oil for the car and use a Motorcraft oil filter.

[reino134]

have the correct oil, and always use motorcraft filters on my fords. Good to hear from you again 97Bird! I thought I posted about this last winter, but could not find the original posting. This does not effect drivability, but it sure is annoying and I would love to resolve it prior to this upcoming cold season

[97Bird]

To narrow down where the noise is coming from, use a stethoscope. A cheap way to do this is with a long screwdriver touching the engine and holding the handle to your ear. You might be able to narrow down the side and area the ticking sound is coming from this way. When you replaced the lifters did you check the push rods, rocker arms and ends of the valves for wear? Sometimes a groove can be worn into the rocker arm and the valve will contact the rocker on the part of the rocker without the groove and then snap into the groove causing a ticking sound. The end of the rocker that the push rod contacts should also be a smooth cup. Good luck!

[reino134]

I need to clarify the issue a little. This does not happen when you are idling. Only when you are in gear rolling down the road. Then once it warms up, it just disappears.

[rhandwor]

They make a product to free up sticking hydraulic lifters. Buy a bottle of this at the parts store and check if this helps solve the problem. You put it in the oil.

[fulla]

Originally Posted by reino134

I have a 94 tbird w/ 3.8 liter 64,000 miles

I have an annoying ticking sound when engine is cold, as it warms up the ticking goes away. This does not happen during the summer months at all when it is warm out. We had a cool morning the other day and sure enough it was ticking til it warmed up. I have already replaced the lifters this past winter, and it did not help at all. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

thanks
randy

Try using motor Rinse , or engine flush ,(oil), and K N oil filters have patented valves inside that trap oil pressure as soon engine shuts off togive you no delay at start up.

[reino134]

I already flushed the motor out. When I took the top end apart everything was spotless inside