Engine - Knocking Noise Cold During Start Up

Article No.
92-18-5

08/26/92

^ CAMSHAFT - 1.8L DOHC - "KNOCKING" NOISE - ENGINES WITH I.D. NUMBER BEFORE 444295

^ NOISE - 1.8L DOHC - "KNOCKING" FROM CAMSHAFT OR LIFTER - ENGINE I.D. NUMBER BEFORE 444295

FORD:
1991-92 ESCORT

LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1991-92 TRACER

ISSUE:
A "knocking" noise may be heard after initial cold start or when returning to idle speed after freeway driving. This may be caused by the camshaft lobes being parallel to the lifter.

ACTION:
Replace the engine camshafts, with new camshafts if a "knocking" noise has been confirmed and the engine number/build date is before 444295. Refer to the following service procedure for details.





SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Check the engine number to verify build date of the engine (Figure 1). If the engine number is before 444295, it has the old level camshafts.

NOTE:
BEFORE REPLACING CAMSHAFTS, ELIMINATE ANY POSSIBILITY OF LIFTER NOISE. REFER TO TSB 92-08-10 FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR OF LIFTER NOISE.

2. Warm up the engine.

3. Turn the engine off. Remove the timing belt cover. Refer to the Escort Tracer Service Manual page 03-01A-6 for service details.

4. Start the engine.





5. Confirm the camshaft noise is still present:

a. Touch the seal plate with your hand. Refer to Figure 2.

b. Confirm that the noise heard pulses rhythmically and simultaneously with the vibration felt by your hand on the seal plate.

NOTE:
IF THE TECHNICIAN CANNOT CONFIRM THE VIBRATION BY FEELING IT IN THE SEAL PLATE, THEN THE NOISE IS NOT CAUSED BY THE CAMSHAFT AND THE TECHNICIAN SHOULD REFER TO THE SERVICE MANUAL FOR DIAGNOSIS.

6. Install both camshafts with the revised level camshaft if the vibration is confirmed. Refer to the Escort Tracer Service manual page 03-01A-22 for service details.

7. Reinstall the timing belt cover. Refer to the Escort Tracer Service Manual, page 03-01A-6, for service details.

8. Start the engine and confirm fix.





Obtain an Authorized Modifications Decal and list the date, dealer number, and summary of alterations performed. Select a prominent place adjacent to the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal suitable for installing the Authorized Modifications Decal. Clean the area, install the decal, and cover it with a clear plastic decal shield.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES:
92-8-10

WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage For 1992 Models, Basic Warranty Coverage, Powertrain Warranty Coverage for 1991 Models

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
921805A Verify And Replace Both 2.1 Hrs.
Camshafts
DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
6250 30

OASIS CODES:
497000, 499000, 702000