[slverstang41]

hey guys, i just purchased a 2000 mustang GT about 4 monthes ago, and have recently noticed a tapping noise comming from the driverside of the engine. You can not hear the noise from the top side of the engine, only when u get low and listen by the wheel,( or stand back away from the car ) or get under the car. I started hearing it about 2 weeks ago and thought nothing of it, i guess u could say i ignored it as normal engine noise. but recenlty, its been getting somewhat louder. Unlike some of the postings i've seen on here, the noise comming from the engine does not go away, its always there now and its driving me crazy! it gets louder as the RPMs rise, and stays at a soft tapping at idle. Most people tell me its an exhuast leak. So i had a look but i cant seem to find it, it sounds more like its is comming from the back of the engine towards the tranny, i've even had a guy tell me it could be my clutch. I've been reading some similar postings on here with guys who have expirenced similar problems, and i've been getting somewhat worried that it could be more serious than just and exhuast leak or bad clutch, andy ideas guys? i would greatly appretiate any help, thanx in advance....

[markwondi]

you're going to have 198208742938734 people tell you it's 210478097308 different things.

Your best bet is to go to a local auto parts store, and buy a foot of 3/4" heater hose. Take that hose, put it to your ear, and run the other end all over the engine. Use it as a stethoscope. You will trace that sound down to a small area and can conclude what it is. Otherwise, it's a guessing game.

I do it everyday at work and believe me, it works.

[GTStang31]

The Ford over head cam engine is generally a noisy engine. I would take it to a mechanic and ask them to listen to it. If it sounds like tapping a wrench on your engine then its probably pinging. If its an exhaust leak it will have a distinct sound that a mechanic will be able to point out. If it sounds more like a more of a slured clicking sound it could just be your cams and rocker arms moving. For the longest time I thought my car making a tapping noise that kinda sounded like it was comming from under the car, well I just dynoed my car and everything checked out fine with good air/fuel ratio. And I still hear the damn clicking sound but oh well. Try changing your oil to synthetic that helped with the noise in my car.

[slverstang41]

so it turns out i think i know what was causing the noise...a spark plug shot up out of my engine lastnight as i was drivin around. the threading on the inside where the spark plug bolts on was ruined..the coil also broke, so i had to have my car towed home ... any suggestions on what i should do about getting the threading fixed??

[engineer76]

Originally Posted by markwondi

you're going to have 198208742938734 people tell you it's 210478097308 different things.

Your best bet is to go to a local auto parts store, and buy a foot of 3/4" heater hose. Take that hose, put it to your ear, and run the other end all over the engine. Use it as a stethoscope. You will trace that sound down to a small area and can conclude what it is. Otherwise, it's a guessing game.

I do it everyday at work and believe me, it works.

Mark is absolutely right!
I usually do the same thing with a screw driver. Put the plastic end to your ear and put the tip to the motor or what ever you want to listen to.