engine problem - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

x-trail · 08-19-2003, 03:55

I have a 89 EA CFI with 290,000 ks. The engine idles erratically, but only for the first 5 mins of warm up and then is all good. Mechanic thinks cam is out by one tooth. Also engine has developed a rattle, noise is there hot or cold but seams to disappear as revs increase. Its very metal on metal sound. Mechanic gave me this info, means little to me.

Hz 109-110 high 103
Manifold vacuum 20 in 21
Lamha???? .86 Rich 99-1000

Any help would would be great.

Thanks

Andrew

Sundeep · 08-19-2003, 18:20

Sounds like your ISC may have a problem or is stuffed. That would be the first thing to check.

The metal on metal sound could be noisy tappets. Check that there is enough oil in there, if there isn't enough add some and it should stop. If it doesn't stop or there is enough oil get it checked out.

Sundeep

x-trail · 08-20-2003, 03:25

Thanks for the info. Oil is all good was just survived with all oil leaks fixed. I was hopeing was something simple, just spent over $500 on it about a third of what the car cost me hard to know when to stop.

Andrew

mongrelEB · 08-20-2003, 04:43

Check your manifold gasket isn't leaking, in addition to above - get a tin of degreaser and spray it over the gasket seal, one cylinder at a time. If the engine note changes, you have found a leak. Tighten the bolts and see if it does it again.

Other than that I can't think of anything to add to Sundeep's post :)

AndrewsXR8 · 08-20-2003, 16:19

Degreaser is flammable, so if you do use it, make sure you wash it off before going too far.
Could the rattle be cat convertor, or torque convertor?

tag141 · 08-20-2003, 17:39

What about piston slap? Sounds vaguely metal v metal and goes away when revving. Check with a vacuum gauge on each cylinder and compare all six.
Although there is oil in the engine, is it reaching the tappets? Could be a plugged gallery or something. Tappetts could be dry or the followers.

x-trail · 08-21-2003, 02:20

Thanks for all the input, because off my very limited mechanices will have to take it to the shop again. If there is any one in the Gold Coast area that has an idea and is keen to take a look, i have a complete wrecked EA wagon(doors are rusty) you can have what you wont.

Andrew

x-trail · 09-05-2003, 12:49

Found out whot the metal on metal sound was, timeing chain. The shop say around $660 to put on new timeing chain kit and around $1000 to put my other engine from my other EA, both way over budget. Decided to check out another shop same price for the timeing chain, but only $400 to change over engine so this seams like the best way to go as the other engine only has 60,000ks up. If any one wonts my old engine make me an offer you can here running up till next Wed have 3 speed as well, im on the Gold Coast.

Andrew

TopGhia · 09-05-2003, 13:14

Quote:

Lamha???? .86 Rich 99-1000

That is lambda, another name for the O2 sensor.

yeah right · 09-05-2003, 18:22

$660 to fit a timng chain & sprockets??? Can you say CROOKS?