Condor1970
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Oct 4, 2018
- Threads
- 95
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- 1,568
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- Location
- Port Orchard WA
- Vehicle(s)
- 2018 Mustang GT
I agree. Especially since Chevrolet actually released a TSB notice explaining the same sound in high compression diesel engines being oil flashing/cavitation. In fact, I've even heard videos now of the Toyota 3.5L Tacoma engine ticking during test drives. Same noise from an engine that runs close to 11:1 compression ratio.The mysterious tick. Few facts and many theories.
Facts about the tick. The sound comes from the passenger side rear of engine. Louder when cold on most cars. Louder after an oil change. Louder and more common on 2018+ cars. Has been around in some form since 2011.
My personal opinion is that’s its some kind cavitation. Most likely on the backside of the crank where it meets the last or second to last rod. This would be an area of highest oil pressure. Oil will naturally carbon up as it ages. Carbon changes the cavitation properties of the oil. Moly and x17 will do the same. The 2018 uses a different oil pan witch most likely helps the amplify the sound. The larger bore size may also allow the rod to walk on the crank more vs the smaller piston. Cavitation is also none rhythmic unlike most mechanical engine noises.
Oddly enough I think engines that tick are most likely built on the tighter end of the specs.
I haven’t ran across any other theories that check all the boxes.
My other thought is it really seems quite related to lower oil pressures at lower rpm. Most common item in that scenario would be sluggish Lash Adjusters when oil pressure is below 25psi. if you don't have quite enough pressure, it makes sense that a tiny gap may appear to the lifter arm temporarily until rpm/pressure gets high enough.
What I'd like to know, is if I can get my computer controlled oil pump to maintain a higher 30psi pressure at idle, instead dropping all the way down to 15psi.
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