2007 Ford Mustang A mysterious ticking noise

DELTA3835

MEMBER
2007 FORD MUSTANG
4.6L
V8
RWD
MANUAL
10,181 MILES

It's not a pipe bomb if you catch the reference. When I let the car idle, there is a sporadic ticking sound. Sometimes its a tick, other times it sounds like a vacuum cleaner sucking up big crumbs from under the couch. Surely you're familiar with the sound. Also, when I coast and the RPMs get lower than I really should and accelerate, there's an awful rattling sound, but it's nothing inside the passenger compartment causing the sound. I'm afraid the ticking is the clutch or if its just from the car being poorly tuned/timed. I've only had the vehicle for about 2 months and I definitely don't want to take the vehicle back to the dealer because it's my dream car. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get this vehicle running properly and beyond to even being track worthy. Please help!

Many thanks.

5 Replies

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

How many miles are on the car? If it is not new then what I can tell by your post is that the converter is going bad. Wait until it is cool then tap on the converter. If you hear a slight rattle then the converter is going bad. If the converter goes bad it makes back pressure on the exhaust. When you would step on the gas it would be like someone is holding the car back from accelerating. If it gets clogged enough then the car would have a hard time idleing.

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Sunday, December 6th, 2015 AT 6:39 AM

DELTA3835

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3 POSTS

Like I said, it's a new car to me and I'm still discovering modifications. I just discovered that the exhaust is straight piped except for the cats. Would that cause this as well if done improperly?

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Monday, December 7th, 2015 AT 4:16 AM

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

The cats are what I am talking about. The are packed inside to help cut down on emissions. Sometimes they start breaking up and do rattle when it happens, they causes the exhaust to be restricted cutting down on your performance, and sometimes will even keep a car from running. If you tap the converter with a hammer lightly when cool, if it is going bad you will hear like there is something loose inside. You might even smell a weird smell.

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Monday, December 7th, 2015 AT 2:06 PM

DELTA3835

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3 POSTS

I just knocked on both cats and they were rock solid. Any other suggestions?

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Monday, December 7th, 2015 AT 6:20 PM

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

If it is not the cats, check the heat shield if they put it back on when they change the exhaust. Try a little trick I learned years ago. Use a piece of old garden hose about 18 inches long. With the engine running put one end on the valve cover and listen into the other end of the hose. If there is a tapping sound then you will know where the problem is. Auto stores have a stethascope for around 5.00, if you want to get one. They will let you hear noises in and around the engine and most anywhere else. Do not put it on any moving parts like pulleys. Have to pin point the area that is making the noise. You say it rattles when you take off. Still would take it to a auto store and have it scanned. They can tell if there is any codes that are showing up. There are a few possible situations. A vacuum leak, tune up, clogged exhaust. Bad injector.