About Ken Surerus Expertise I can answer most questions on most any vehicle with emphasis on Fords, especially vintage Mustangs.
Experience Life experience in all aspects of automotive repair. Self employed since 2001.
Education/Credentials Graduated from Lincoln Technical Institute with high honors, holding a degree in Automotive Technology, my primary area of expertise is in the 1964 1/2-1970 mustangs.
You are here: Experts > Autos > Trucks > Ford > Fairly loud , non-continuous, metallic clicking (tapping) noise from top front of engine of my 1999 Ford Explorer (4L SOHC) 4WD, 59,000 miles.
Ford - Fairly loud , non-continuous, metallic clicking (tapping) noise from top front of engine of my 1999 Ford Explorer (4L SOHC) 4WD, 59,000 miles.
Expert: Ken Surerus - 3/20/2005
Question The engine runs smoothly when it is started cold. It continues to run smoothly while the vehicle is driven 5 miles, 50 miles, or more before being stopped and the engine shut off. The tapping noise starts when the engine is restarted after having been shut off for 10 to 15 minutes. The tapping is fairly loud for about 5 minutes, but gradually stops tapping in another 5 minutes. The engine then continues to run quietly at idle and while the vehicle is being driven an unlimited distance. I have replaced a quart of the engine oil with a quart of Risolene. Very little, if any, improvement was noticed in this engine noise problem. How can the problem be fixed.
Answer H. Mallow,
It sounds like you have either a bad lifter or bad lifters. You will need to take your vehicle and have them or the valve spring(s) adjusted. If you do not do this, you will drop a valve lifter and eventually your engine will blow up. Hope that this helps and if you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Good luck.
