Engine Noise and Power Loss
 

I have an 89 GT with just over 100,000 miles on it. Over the last few thousand miles there is a ticking sound that has gotten gradually louder. The tick happens as the rpm's increase and its frequency increases with the RPM's. I've also noticed that as the tick has gotten louder the engine has lost noticeable power. Any ideas on what could be causing this? Thanks in advance!

Re: Engine Noise and Power Loss
 

I'd like to add, that the noise doesn't occur if the car is in neutral and I rev the engine. It sounds fine when I do this. The sound only occurs when I am in gear and accelerating. By the way the car is a T5. I hope this helps.

Re: Engine Noise and Power Loss
 

I was thinking a stuck lifter but your second post is throwing me off.

With a stuck lifter you would lose power but it would tick all the time.

Re: Engine Noise and Power Loss
 

Thanks for the reply. I thought it was something with the engine at first, but now I'm not so sure. If I leave the car in neutral and rev the engine all the way up to 5,000 rpms it sounds fine. The ticking sound only happens when the car is in gear and accelerating. Is there anything with the transmission that could be causing this?

Re: Engine Noise and Power Loss
 

my dieing t-5 made a clicking noise, but i could hear it was the t-5, not the motor, can you distinguish that? or if it is a topend tick?
Check your rockers.

Re: Engine Noise and Power Loss
 

so only under load? has to be an exhaust leak then.

Re: Engine Noise and Power Loss
 

Or detonation!!!!!!!!!!!!:eek:

What is your initial timing set at?

Re: Engine Noise and Power Loss
 

Thanks for your replies. I will check on the timing. I know it hasn't been adjusted since I've owned the car (5 years).

Regarding the Exhaust Leak, I wanted to be clear on what under load meant(accelerating, or revving?) The engine doesn't make the noise when revving only when accelerating. The noise is something I've been noticing for a year or two and it has gradually gotten worse, and now it seems to be affecting performance.

Is there an easy way to check for leaks?

Once again thanks for all the help!

Re: Engine Noise and Power Loss
 

pull your e-brake, put it in 1st gear and put a load on it, see if you can stay stationary, have someone stand off to the side with the hood open, listen for the exhaust tick, just be careful, we all know the e-brake wont hold a stang to well.
If it is losing alot of power, then it does sound like detonation, good luck