CAL Captain
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2018
- Threads
- 13
- Messages
- 668
- Reaction score
- 409
- Location
- Arroyo Grande, CA
- Vehicle(s)
- 2019 Bullitt Mustang
Thank you for the dose of sanity. While I have both the tick and rattle, I'm gonna drive it until the doors fall off. I had 2 NSXs in the past that I babied like all get out... and discovered I was so worried about "my precious" that I forgot to have any fun with them. Not going to fall prey to that this time around.OK ! I think it's time for one more opinion. Here is my take on the engine noise.
My Bullitt is nearing 2500 miles and I drive it daily. I hear familiar low rpm rattle everyday under light throttle. It causes me NO concern whatsoever.
I am old. I've owned MANY different vehicles and can draw from past experiences.
Most vehicles I've owned were usually well abused. Back then the oil quality was crucial to the longevity of the engine, particularly the bottom end.
Normal age and wear on the bearings would make them rattle exactly as what I hear on the Bullitt albeit more prominent and consistent. This was particularly true
on very hot days when the high oil temps would quickly thin out the oil. The oil pressure would drop to nearly nil as well. A fresh oil change to a higher viscosity would remedy the situation until the oil deteriorated again.
I also had a Pontiac engine rebuilt where the shop loosened the bearing clearances in the interest of a quicker reving nature. I drove this engine for MANY years on
the street and many passes on the strip in various cars. It always had the faint lower bearing rattle. At the builder's recommendation, I always used a higher viscosity oil.
SO.... my theory is that these engines are purposely built rather loose. Today's manufacturers recommend 0 and 5 weight oil in the interest of efficiency, fuel mileage and power. And...I don't have to tell you...this engine winds up really fast! I am going to change to a different viscosity synthetic in a few hundred miles. I suspect the noise will me less noticeable. Not so much to cover a defect, but in the interest of a bit more protection as the oil breaks down.
My GTO' and Corvettes always drank higher viscosity Mobil 1 than suggested with no issues. And some of those would have terrible piston slap when cold as well!
Same with my Jaguars and Mini Coopers.
As for the engines that Ford replaced as defective; Just because they accepted the responsibility does not mean they were defective. There are many reasons for
warranty coverage. The all knowing prima donna tech condemns an engine for a bearing showing a bit wear....I hear the bullshit all the time. I work at a dealership.
He'd have to replace it or rebuild it. Since he really doesn't want it to come back and haunt him...it's defective.
So many paranoid whining customers with concerns are catered to simply because the dealership wants them to go away!
The forums have a few people that believe they have an issue and all of a sudden it must be an epidemic. Not passing judgement or pointing fingers, but just because
a few cars have issues doesn't necessarily mean they're all junk. And then there are those that are paranoid about problems they may not have.
There you have it ...my theory. I'm not an engineer or expert of any sort. Just sharing my thoughts.
I know that this long of a read will undoubtedly lead to my words being mocked, picked apart or whatever. Again just my theory.
I'll let you know if it blows to smithereens !!!
Ernie
Just put Ceratec in this afternoon, I'll see how it goes. Changing to BG SynchroShift II on Tuesday... see how that goes, too. Beyond that, if the car becomes undrivable, it will go in to the dealer. Nothing that happens or doesn't happen to my car is going to be the biggest thing for me all week, no matter what the week holds. It's a piece of equipment... a fun and exciting piece of equipment, yes, but, at the end of the day, still just equipment... and equipment under warranty, yet.
Please, everyone, remember what is REALLY important to you: your family, your animals, your friends. They will not always be here... and, maybe, neither will you. Enjoy your day with your really fun car and try not to worry.
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