Head tick and steering TSB's -- Took it in and got laughed at... - 2003-04 Mach 1 Registry Owners Club

swoop1156 · 05-30-2007, 06:00 PM

Well,

I took my car [2004, 5-speed] in for the head tick [that has been progressively getting worse] and for the steering noise. I had some BAD luck with the local Ford dealer in the area with them ragging on my car, so I went to the Mercury/Lincoln dealer, thinking they may respect my property a little more.

Anyway, I walk in there to be greeted. I explain that I have a concern for a "ticking noise coming from the engine". The advisor promptly tells me that it's a "Ford...Mustang, so it's going to make noise."

Great.

I explained that I knew it was a Mustang and that it's going to "make noise", whatever that is. I tell him that there is a commonly known problem with the heads having an audible "tick" that is subject, at times, to a TSB issued by Ford.

He goes off.

Tells me, in detail, what a TSB is, why they are made for and that they are for "Ford mechanics usage only" and are NOT available to the consumer.

I proceed to tell him that my father is a retiree from Ford Motor Company of 30+ years and that I most likely know more about any particular vehicle on their lot over them. I can dissect any one of my THREE vehicles -- two being Mustang's, and I can tell you what is wrong with them, how many were made, what colors, engines, transmissions, options.

He wasn't impressed.

I mean, for holy crap's sake it's only got 4,000 miles on it! ONE OIL CHANGE, still have the little nubs on the tires, come on!

Anyway, then I bring up the steering bushing noise, lol. He glares at me and writes it down. Then I ask him to re-aim my windshield washer nozzle and he just would rather smoke his head into the keyboard as of now.

He fills out the paperwork, I sign it and I tell them that I brought it to them as I hope they will treat my property better than the Ford Dealer across the street.

Whatever...

Here is my question for you all that have done this process... When they hand me back the car and tell me that "nothing is wrong", what is my next course of action? Do I take it back over and over? I don't want to create and have you guys read a thread like some of those on here with the words "complete engine failure" and stuff.

Any advice, because I know I'm gonna get played.

Thanks!

swoop1156 · 05-30-2007, 06:07 PM

Sorry, I will edit. It's a 2004.

HotRod · 05-30-2007, 06:45 PM

Im willing to bet that both Ford and Lincoln are owned by the same person.

swoop1156 · 05-30-2007, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotRod

Im willing to bet that both Ford and Lincoln are owned by the same person.

I don't get it.

Screaming04 · 05-30-2007, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swoop1156

I don't get it.

The two dealerships have probably have the same owner

ricky bobby · 05-30-2007, 11:13 PM

That wouldn't suprise me at all.

pdmustgt · 05-31-2007, 01:59 AM

I had a ford mechanic that worked at Napa on the weekends. Tell me what do you aspect you have 32 valves. Told him thats BS I'm mechanic/tech myself I know better than that. That type of respones is what I aspect what a parts changer would say not a real mechanic wouldn't want him working on my car. He just walked away after that ---f*cking a**hole.
It doesn't matter if you take you Ford to a Lincoln/Mercury dealer they use the same engine. 5.4 4v in nav, our mach1 engine is in the matador.

The steering bushing TSB I'm doing myself we had a blizzard in march wasn't able to take it up to Ford before 3yr warranty was up in march.

Shaker1 · 05-31-2007, 03:41 AM

If the situation there is anything like my dealer (who has been great, BTW), then they do not have much service work to keep them busy.

I might have told them they clearly had too much service work to be bothering with my warranty concerns and said, "have a nice day" as I drove off.

And as Bill was possibly leading up to, your 04 might already have the updated head design that is supposed to address the tick.

Shaker1 · 05-31-2007, 03:53 AM

Oh yeah, one more thing,

According to a major American automakers website:

"However, there are state and federal regulations that require all automotive manufacturers to provide Technical Service Bulletins to vehicle owners upon request. In addition, all TSB's are submitted to NHTSA, as required by law, where they become a matter of public record and will also be provided to vehicle owners upon request."

So, technically, what he told you is in violation of federal statutes! Have fun with that!

rjw158 · 05-31-2007, 04:35 AM

Swoop, Sounds like that advisors job should be washing used cars not dealing with people. Is there another dealership around that you could take your Mach to? It seems like all to often, once the car leaves the lot it's like tuff luck it's yours now.
rjw

swoop1156 · 05-31-2007, 08:30 AM

Well, I hope to get an update today -- we'll see what happens.

Is there a way to see if I have an updated head design?

Shaker1 · 05-31-2007, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swoop1156

Well, I hope to get an update today -- we'll see what happens.

Is there a way to see if I have an updated head design?

Supposed to be blue paint on the head. Not sure everyone feels that it resolves the issue though! I've got a May 03 build and no unusual sounds, knock on wood. I believe the tick is thought to be due to poor cooling at the 7 & 8 cylinders that caused valve guide galling. It is a design issue. Do search you should find plenty of opinion and even some facts!

chrome&paint · 05-31-2007, 10:05 AM

I have the tick as well....is this bad for my engine should I worry? How much does it generally cost to fix this? thanks

Manny32V · 05-31-2007, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrome&paint

I have the tick as well....is this bad for my engine should I worry? How much does it generally cost to fix this? thanks

ticks are nice. j/k ticks are anoying but i never seen an ohc specialy dohc engines that dont tick. but also the injectors tick

TRXboy · 05-31-2007, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manny32V

ticks are nice. j/k ticks are anoying but i never seen an ohc specialy dohc engines that dont tick. but also the injectors tick

Exactly, People here that some of these engine have ticks and get all worried. These engines make ALOT of noise (32V's ='s ALOT of moving parts). When you have a head tick you will know it trust me, most of the time, it is the injectors.

pdmustgt · 06-01-2007, 01:07 AM

Both of my 04 mach1's ticked after coming up to full temp. I could be from that the cyl head is hotter on 7,8 cyl's. Alum grows more the hotter you get it.

Lost 1st 04 mach1 (blue) old woman ran into me. Got used 04 red mach1 with 4000 miles 3 weeks later

. It feels like it has more power

24kmach · 06-01-2007, 02:18 AM

My [04 build date 11/03] drivers side cylinder head was replaced[TSB] about a year ago. The tick is caused by the valve seats on 7 & 8 warping from over heating causeing the valves to stick thus the ticking. Headers were installed at that time. They help with cooling of 7 & 8. No noise in over a year.

MCHNROL · 06-01-2007, 02:39 AM

Identified my left blue head as a sure thing with the transmission.

swoop1156 · 06-01-2007, 04:32 PM

Visited the dealer today to see the car in shambles, lol.

I thought it was the passenger [left] head that had the issues, but I guess the left side of the motor is the drivers side, like standing behind it? Anyway, I took some pictures with my phone and I will try to get them hosted up here.

I have a question, though...

There is a white sticker on the front face of the head. It had a 5 7 2 on it as well as a bunch of letters arranged in a grid. It has a blue dot on it.

Does that mean I already have one of the redesigned heads? The engine guy at the dealer said he definitely heard something wrong in there and hence the repair -- but...?

pdmustgt · 06-01-2007, 08:45 PM

I know of 2 mach1's and 1 cobra all 03's had the tick replaced the cyl heads and still had the ticking sound. I pretty sure sticking valves after 34,000 miles would have gotten far worst on my car it's not sticking valve. Sticking valves don't close they stay stuck open (aka pistons smack the valves meaning major engine failure).The ticking noise always been the same sound never has changed its from the alum head being hotter given the valve train more clearance on them 2 cyl's .

05-30-2007, 06:00 PM	#1
swoop1156 Parked again... Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Pensacola, Florida Posts: 2,041	Head tick and steering TSB's -- Took it in and got laughed at...UPDATE Well, I took my car [2004, 5-speed] in for the head tick [that has been progressively getting worse] and for the steering noise. I had some BAD luck with the local Ford dealer in the area with them ragging on my car, so I went to the Mercury/Lincoln dealer, thinking they may respect my property a little more. Anyway, I walk in there to be greeted. I explain that I have a concern for a "ticking noise coming from the engine". The advisor promptly tells me that it's a "Ford...Mustang, so it's going to make noise." Great. I explained that I knew it was a Mustang and that it's going to "make noise", whatever that is. I tell him that there is a commonly known problem with the heads having an audible "tick" that is subject, at times, to a TSB issued by Ford. He goes off. Tells me, in detail, what a TSB is, why they are made for and that they are for "Ford mechanics usage only" and are NOT available to the consumer. I proceed to tell him that my father is a retiree from Ford Motor Company of 30+ years and that I most likely know more about any particular vehicle on their lot over them. I can dissect any one of my THREE vehicles -- two being Mustang's, and I can tell you what is wrong with them, how many were made, what colors, engines, transmissions, options. He wasn't impressed. I mean, for holy crap's sake it's only got 4,000 miles on it! ONE OIL CHANGE, still have the little nubs on the tires, come on! Anyway, then I bring up the steering bushing noise, lol. He glares at me and writes it down. Then I ask him to re-aim my windshield washer nozzle and he just would rather smoke his head into the keyboard as of now. He fills out the paperwork, I sign it and I tell them that I brought it to them as I hope they will treat my property better than the Ford Dealer across the street. Whatever... Here is my question for you all that have done this process... When they hand me back the car and tell me that "nothing is wrong", what is my next course of action? Do I take it back over and over? I don't want to create and have you guys read a thread like some of those on here with the words "complete engine failure" and stuff. Any advice, because I know I'm gonna get played. Thanks! Last edited by swoop1156; 06-01-2007 at 04:32 PM.

05-30-2007, 06:07 PM	#2
swoop1156 Parked again... Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Pensacola, Florida Posts: 2,041	Re: Head tick and steering TSB's -- Took it in and got laughed at... Sorry, I will edit. It's a 2004.

05-30-2007, 06:45 PM	#3
HotRod I Love Being Blown! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Orlando, Fl. USA! Posts: 1,567	Re: Head tick and steering TSB's -- Took it in and got laughed at... Im willing to bet that both Ford and Lincoln are owned by the same person. __________________ Rod K. '04 Ram 2500 Q/C 4x4 CTD

05-30-2007, 11:13 PM	#6
ricky bobby mach everthing Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: vancover british columbia Posts: 715	Re: Head tick and steering TSB's -- Took it in and got laughed at... That wouldn't suprise me at all. __________________ If yur not first yur last! Was 03 mach 1 white automatic 295.1 rwhp 321 ft rwtq accufab throttle body c and L true flow intake tube bassani catted x pipe slp lm1 (after dyno) steeda full lenth sfc kb jacking rails matrix brace steeda front back strut braces Update coming soon

05-31-2007, 01:59 AM	#7
pdmustgt Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 372	Re: Head tick and steering TSB's -- Took it in and got laughed at... I had a ford mechanic that worked at Napa on the weekends. Tell me what do you aspect you have 32 valves. Told him thats BS I'm mechanic/tech myself I know better than that. That type of respones is what I aspect what a parts changer would say not a real mechanic wouldn't want him working on my car. He just walked away after that ---fcking a*hole. It doesn't matter if you take you Ford to a Lincoln/Mercury dealer they use the same engine. 5.4 4v in nav, our mach1 engine is in the matador. The steering bushing TSB I'm doing myself we had a blizzard in march wasn't able to take it up to Ford before 3yr warranty was up in march.

05-31-2007, 03:41 AM	#8
Shaker1 Living The Dream Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: IL Posts: 2,112	Re: Head tick and steering TSB's -- Took it in and got laughed at... If the situation there is anything like my dealer (who has been great, BTW), then they do not have much service work to keep them busy. I might have told them they clearly had too much service work to be bothering with my warranty concerns and said, "have a nice day" as I drove off. And as Bill was possibly leading up to, your 04 might already have the updated head design that is supposed to address the tick. __________________ 2008 GT500 Alloy W/ Silver JLT/EVO tune BMR LCAs Last edited by Shaker1; 05-31-2007 at 05:22 AM.

05-31-2007, 03:53 AM	#9
Shaker1 Living The Dream Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: IL Posts: 2,112	Re: Head tick and steering TSB's -- Took it in and got laughed at... Oh yeah, one more thing, According to a major American automakers website: "However, there are state and federal regulations that require all automotive manufacturers to provide Technical Service Bulletins to vehicle owners upon request. In addition, all TSB's are submitted to NHTSA, as required by law, where they become a matter of public record and will also be provided to vehicle owners upon request." So, technically, what he told you is in violation of federal statutes! Have fun with that! __________________ 2008 GT500 Alloy W/ Silver JLT/EVO tune BMR LCAs

05-31-2007, 04:35 AM	#10
rjw158 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Southeast Michigan Posts: 671	Re: Head tick and steering TSB's -- Took it in and got laughed at... Swoop, Sounds like that advisors job should be washing used cars not dealing with people. Is there another dealership around that you could take your Mach to? It seems like all to often, once the car leaves the lot it's like tuff luck it's yours now. rjw

05-31-2007, 08:30 AM	#11
swoop1156 Parked again... Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Pensacola, Florida Posts: 2,041	Re: Head tick and steering TSB's -- Took it in and got laughed at... Well, I hope to get an update today -- we'll see what happens. Is there a way to see if I have an updated head design?

05-31-2007, 10:05 AM	#13
chrome&paint Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: oh Posts: 319	Re: Head tick and steering TSB's -- Took it in and got laughed at... I have the tick as well....is this bad for my engine should I worry? How much does it generally cost to fix this? thanks __________________ 99 Mustang LX SOLD 99 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 SOLD 00 3.8 V6 Chevy Impala Candy & Chameleon - Kicker 06ZX7501 Kicker COMPVR 07D-CVR-122 Jensen VM9312 SOLD 04 Mach 1 Azure Blue w/ IUP transgo shift kit 8K HID smoked projectors 8K HID smoked fogs c/f grill stealth license plate bracket black out tail lights side markers and 3rd brake light optima red top 20" SOLD 07 300C Inferno Red Lux Group II sunroof uconnect limo tint volant CAI, Stealth 93 CAI Tune

06-01-2007, 01:07 AM	#16
pdmustgt Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 372	Re: Head tick and steering TSB's -- Took it in and got laughed at... Both of my 04 mach1's ticked after coming up to full temp. I could be from that the cyl head is hotter on 7,8 cyl's. Alum grows more the hotter you get it. Lost 1st 04 mach1 (blue) old woman ran into me. Got used 04 red mach1 with 4000 miles 3 weeks later. It feels like it has more power

06-01-2007, 02:18 AM	#17
24kmach My First Mach, Jan. 1969 Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Tacoma, Washington Posts: 13,070	Re: Head tick and steering TSB's -- Took it in and got laughed at... My [04 build date 11/03] drivers side cylinder head was replaced[TSB] about a year ago. The tick is caused by the valve seats on 7 & 8 warping from over heating causeing the valves to stick thus the ticking. Headers were installed at that time. They help with cooling of 7 & 8. No noise in over a year. __________________ I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder. Mach 1 owner since January 1969. First ride in a P51D August 28,2010. Member Based in Kent, Washington, Pacific Cascade Mustang Club is the only original Mustang club in the Puget Sound Area and according to Mustang Club of America, we are the oldest in the nation.

06-01-2007, 02:39 AM	#18
MCHNROL original owner Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Lou-a-vull, KY Posts: 1,556	Re: Head tick and steering TSB's -- Took it in and got laughed at... Identified my left blue head as a sure thing with the transmission.

06-01-2007, 04:32 PM	#19
swoop1156 Parked again... Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Pensacola, Florida Posts: 2,041	Re: Head tick and steering TSB's -- Took it in and got laughed at... Visited the dealer today to see the car in shambles, lol. I thought it was the passenger [left] head that had the issues, but I guess the left side of the motor is the drivers side, like standing behind it? Anyway, I took some pictures with my phone and I will try to get them hosted up here. I have a question, though... There is a white sticker on the front face of the head. It had a 5 7 2 on it as well as a bunch of letters arranged in a grid. It has a blue dot on it. Does that mean I already have one of the redesigned heads? The engine guy at the dealer said he definitely heard something wrong in there and hence the repair -- but...?

06-01-2007, 08:45 PM	#20
pdmustgt Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 372	Re: Head tick and steering TSB's -- Took it in and got laughed at... I know of 2 mach1's and 1 cobra all 03's had the tick replaced the cyl heads and still had the ticking sound. I pretty sure sticking valves after 34,000 miles would have gotten far worst on my car it's not sticking valve. Sticking valves don't close they stay stuck open (aka pistons smack the valves meaning major engine failure).The ticking noise always been the same sound never has changed its from the alum head being hotter given the valve train more clearance on them 2 cyl's .

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