I need some help. My son came home the other day and there was a slight tap in his engine. I checked the oil and everything was good. Later that day he comes home again and now the tap is a knock. Happened in a couple of hours. There are no trouble lights on and his car holds a steady idle. I thought maybe a a rod knock but wouldn't that throw a code. Could it be something simple I am overlooking.

Thanks

 

Not neccassarly...If a Rod or a Valve stem is going bad it may not give a Error Code or Chk Eng Light (CEL). You said the Tap \has now become a Knock?? Have you determine where this knock is coming from the engine?

It could be a multiple of problems...from a Tappet to a Lifter....Good luck and keep us advise.

 

The noise is coming from right under the front valve cover. It seems to be just one knock. I am not familiar with ford engines so I have one question. Can you replace just one lifter. I took a look at our local auto parts store and you can buy one lifter at a time. I have worked on Chevy's but this whole overhead cam is all new to me. If it is a lifter how hard is it to replace.

 

[sm=smiley29.gif]
[sm=smiley36.gif]Of course you can replace just one lifter or tappet...First let me say you should go to your local Auto store, and buy a Haynes manual for this car...

Replacing lifter/tappets in and overhead cam system is tricky...and between 1 and 10 this is a 7 1/2...and you will need some type of Guide (enhance the Haynes manual).

But I would like to suggest that you may want to Replace the entire Cam Shaft itself...the most easy est way...[sm=americanasmiley.gif]