Ticking sound after towing. 1993 5.0L 302
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Ticking sound after towing. 1993 5.0L 302
Well I'm a dumbass. Towed a 3500lb trailer on the interstate with my 180k 4x4 5.0L F-150. Don't have the tow package and don't have a tranny temp sensor (both will be added). 2 questions -- first:
1) I now have a ticking/tapping sound from the passenger side valve cover. Sound is more pronounced when cold and barely noticeable when warm. My thoughts - bad pushrod or rocker arm. Any ideas on this? If I pop off the valve cover, is it pretty easy to access these parts? If one of these are the issue, should I just plan on replacing all pushrods and rocker arms? Definitely do not wish to pull the motor if I don't have to.
2) I've had code 628 (Torque converter slipping) in the keep alive memory. Reset it prior to towing, and after towing code came back. Tranny definitley overheated. Prior to towing, tranny had no leaks, however after getting to my destination I noticed a slight drip from where the bell housing meets the motor. I'm assuming this is from the torque converter? Going to replace torque converter and fluid next. Anything else that could cause this leak?
Sorry if this is vague. Thanks for any help at all!
1) I now have a ticking/tapping sound from the passenger side valve cover. Sound is more pronounced when cold and barely noticeable when warm. My thoughts - bad pushrod or rocker arm. Any ideas on this? If I pop off the valve cover, is it pretty easy to access these parts? If one of these are the issue, should I just plan on replacing all pushrods and rocker arms? Definitely do not wish to pull the motor if I don't have to.
2) I've had code 628 (Torque converter slipping) in the keep alive memory. Reset it prior to towing, and after towing code came back. Tranny definitley overheated. Prior to towing, tranny had no leaks, however after getting to my destination I noticed a slight drip from where the bell housing meets the motor. I'm assuming this is from the torque converter? Going to replace torque converter and fluid next. Anything else that could cause this leak?
Sorry if this is vague. Thanks for any help at all!
#2
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1) Towing doesn't damage pushrods or rockers. It's more likely just the PCV valve. Pull it out (if it will fit between the valve cover & plenum), and see if the ticking stops (engine running, of course). If it doesn't fit out, just pull the hose off (& block the hose with your thumb). If it's not that, my next guess is that you're hearing an echo from an exhaust leak. Do you have a mechanic's stethoscope? If not, use ~3' of garden hose to pinpoint the tick.
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2) If the trans overheated, it wouldn't work now. Since it does, it didn't overheat. Torque converters don't leak. It's a known problem for these transmissions to puke fluid from the front pump seal (where the TC goes in) when they get hot. Mine stopped when it cooled down, but I still replaced the seal a few days later. Click this & read the caption:
(phone app link)
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2) If the trans overheated, it wouldn't work now. Since it does, it didn't overheat. Torque converters don't leak. It's a known problem for these transmissions to puke fluid from the front pump seal (where the TC goes in) when they get hot. Mine stopped when it cooled down, but I still replaced the seal a few days later. Click this & read the caption:
(phone app link)
#3
Martin
Tranny codes in the 600 series only give clues to the actual problem unless it is a electrical component code. Lately I've got the 628 code accompanied by an intermittent 3-4 shift doing 3 to neutral. My diagnosis is problems in the valve body, for a solution I've ordered a reman Sonnax valve body. After this repair my truck is getting sold off, have loved it but it's time.
#4
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Took the PCV valve off yesterday and the ticking was still present. I haven't had much time to work on it, but I ordered a shop manual and will be taking off the intake manifold and the passenger side valve cover. Gonna check and make sure it's not just a bad exhaust leak first.
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Did a little more looking today. It's almost as if the ticking/tapping sound will go away every once in a while. It definitely is in sync w the motor RPMs. Took the bell off a stethoscope I had laying around and used it to check a few spots. Didn't note that tapping coming from either valve cover. Sounds a little bit louder when under the motor. Didn't note any tapping from the tranny bell housing or the oil pan.
I'm guessing my next option (next to taking it to a mechanic) is to pull each individual spark plug and see if there's a difference.
EDIT: Just messed around with it a little more. The sound starts off loud, kinda dulls down, and in time will go away. Then the sound will come back dull, then again completely go away. Idk if I'm chasing a ghost right now but damn this is aggravating.
Also... checked tranny fluid while motor running - no fluid at all on dipstick. Must've all leaked out when it got hot.
I'm guessing my next option (next to taking it to a mechanic) is to pull each individual spark plug and see if there's a difference.
EDIT: Just messed around with it a little more. The sound starts off loud, kinda dulls down, and in time will go away. Then the sound will come back dull, then again completely go away. Idk if I'm chasing a ghost right now but damn this is aggravating.
Also... checked tranny fluid while motor running - no fluid at all on dipstick. Must've all leaked out when it got hot.
Last edited by jeffhoe; 08-03-2018 at 08:20 PM.
#6
Maybe get a haynes manual and check the valve clearance. It might be time for an adjustment. Before doing all that work though use your hand to hover over the manifolds and see if you feel air could be a leak in the gasket or a crack or hole in manifold.