rocketmanforli

I have a 24v 3.0 with a tapping sound from the engine only when hot? The dealer said this was normal. Is there anybody having this noise.

rocketmanforli

The tapping noise is right next to the water pump.This is fords 3.0 24valve engine that connects the pump to one of the cam shafts.Something new.I think that the engine gets to operation temp and sence this is a alum head the metal expands causing the lash adjuster for that valve next to the pump to tap? Any ideas

tbird100636

My 2001 Taurus SEL w/a 3.0 Duratec does this too. It is a normal noise. Don't wory about it - I don't hear it unless I have my hood open- I only can faintly hear it with the hood closed.

rocketmanforli

Thanks Tbird I can hear it at idle inside the car with the window down.Ford makes a great car for the price and i would not even think about buying any thing else. This is my first 3.0 duratec and had some concern.

tbird100636

Hold it!!! I just found a TSB for this!!! It was issued by Ford on October 18, 2004. TSB # 04-20-8- you have to remove the front valve cover, rotate the engine around until the #6 intake cam lobes are pointing up, then remove all of the intake camshaft caps, reinstall them and torque them in sequence to 72 lb-in of torque. The sequence is the first cap, marked 5L the front bolt first, then the rear bolt; next cap is 6L, front bolt first then the rear; 7L is next, front first then rear; then 8L, front first then rear; then lastly, 9L, front first then rear. If your still under warranty have the Ford or Lincoln Mercury Dealer do it. If you do happen to do it youself you cannot simply loosen the bolts and re-tighten the bolts. They have to be fully removed according to the TSB. Good Luck!!!!!!

rocketmanforli

Thanks T Bird. I was able to get a copy of T.S.B. 04-20-08. Second step under action. With pry bar move tensioner to see if tapping noise quits.This sounds nuts. My tensioner is missing. It looks like a smaller belt was installed. I got my work cut out. The dealer will think i removed it. Also thanks again for the T.S.B. information.One quick note 9L cap is torqued then 8L as per T.S.B. 04-20-08

rocketmanforli

After asking the ford parts person. I was told after Sept 2003 all 3.0 24valve engines, the water pump tensioner was no longer required.My car was built Feb 2004.I guess that sums it up and why the dealer said the tapping sound was normal ????

rocketmanforli

Its me again Will i have to try one more thing. I ordered the all the parts to make this 24v 3.0 like it was before Sept 03. Will post after i install and ops check the system

tbird100636

Okay...... if that's what you want to try, but have your tried the TSB yet???

rocketmanforli

Sorry tbird that was completed.