2002 Ford Mustang clicking noise from back of engine

RIOMIKETECH

MEMBER
2002 FORD MUSTANG
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

I am getting a clicking noise that sounds a lot like the upper cylinder is not getting much oil or lifters are noisy. It is comming from the back of the engine. This is a 3.8 liter 6. It gets louder when I put torque on the engine. If I put it in nuetral and rev it up it is not there. It is definately associated with the amount of work the engine does and not rpm. I have changed oil and the oil pressure is good and not excesive. After warm it gets quieter. Engine performance and mileage are fine. Also no oil leaks on engine.

1 Reply

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Dont know if this is your problem, but it's an easy fix, and a known problem. This is a Ford Tech Bulliten on the intake manifold runner control, have a look:
SPARK KNOCK UNDER LIGHT LOAD AND ACCELERATION - 3.8L, 3.9L, AND 4.2L - SPLIT PORT INTAKE MANIFOLD RUNNER CONTROL (IMRC) TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN Reference Number(s): 07-16-17, � Date of Issue: � August 20, 2007 Related Ref Number(s): 07-16-17 ARTICLE BEGINNING ISSUE Various vehicles equipped with a 3.8L, 3.9L or 4.2L engine and Split Port IMRC may exhibit spark knock under light load and acceleration. ACTION Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition. SERVICE PROCEDURE Inspect for disconnected IMRC actuator rods. 1. Check both right hand and left hand side IMRC rods are properly attached to the actuator motor and intake manifold runner. 2. If the IMRC actuator rods are found to be connected properly, do not continue with this TSB. Refer to Powertrain Control/Emission Diagnosis Manual. 3. If any IMRC actuator rods are disconnected, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303- 14 for IMRC service. 4. If any IMRC actuator rod linkages are found disconnected, replace all four (4) linkage rod retainers. ( Fig. 1 ) Fig. 1: Lower Intake IMRC Linkage PARTS INFORMATION PARTS INFORMATION
FORD: 2001-2004 Mustang; 1996-2003 Windstar; 1997-2003 E-150; 1997-2008 F-150; 2004- 2007 Freestar MERCURY: 2004-2007 Monterey
Page 1 of 2 SPARK KNOCK UNDER LIGHT LOAD AND ACCELERATION - 3.8L, 3.9L, AND 4....