Help Identify sharp Engine Tick/pinging noise (Not the usual BBQ Tick)

[ntsami]

I have 2019 Bullitt mustang, and I have this loud engine noise that goes up and down with RPM. Noise has been louder now, but it has been there for over 2 years. At First, I thought it was regular engine noise (BBQ tick), but it got louder over time. I haven't taken it to the dealer and thought I could try asking before going to dealership. Here are some facts and video from engine side and cabin with audible ticking noise.

• 2019 mustang Bullitt with 28K miles
• 5W30 royal purple oil and filter every 5-6k miles
• I Do drive it hard. Few Autocrosses included.
• No power loss or sputtering. No issues at idle or at high rpm at all
• Tick sound comes usually after engine is warm. Does not stop once it comes.
• Changes frequency in sync with RPM but it does not change volume
• Very audible from top of engine area
• No check engine at all. No stored code either

Could not upload video to this forum for some reason so here is a link to a google folder where I have the videos.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RpheDjNr6D2mpw5Y3Vm_R_nNr7JDfRV4?usp=sharing

Thank you in advance for any help!!

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[screaminrevs]

In the video, to me it sounds more like a squeak than a tick. Maybe an issue with a belt or a cracked pulley. Get yourself a piece of flexible hose a few feet long. Hold one end right up to your ear, then place the other end down near things that could be making the noise. The closer the hose gets to the source of noise, the more you will hear it. It's like a borescope, but for your ears.

good luck.

 

[Keeffa]

Hard to tell from a video but it could be a bearing. Like the belt tensioner or alternator or something like that. If you have a big screwdriver or a bit round bar even, put it on those things and put it to your ear you should be able to tell if it's that. Careful not to touch anything moving.

 

[SheepDog]

Sounds like a pulley or the belt chirping. Remove the serpentine belt and start the engine. If the noise goes away, you know it has to do with a pulley or the belt itself.

Go to harbor freight and get a mechanics stethoscope to pinpoint the noise. Sometimes, you can just spin the pulleys by hand (engine off, no belt) and feel if one of them has a bearing issue

 

[NGOT8R]

My 2019 Bullitt has made that same noise for ever. I performed a quick test to see if it was the VCT solenoid on the passenger side by unplugging it. When I unplugged it, the noise stopped and as soon as I plugged it back up, the noise reappeared.

Here is a pic of the sensor and the passthrough grommet in the passenger side valve cover where the electrical connector plugs into. My engine is apart now undergoing upgrades and I will be replacing both VCTs for peace of mind moving forward.

 

[ntsami]

My 2019 Bullitt has made that same noise for ever. I performed a quick test to see if it was the VCT solenoid on the passenger side by unplugging it. When I unplugged it, the noise stopped and as soon as I plugged it back up, the noise reappeared.

Here is a pic of the sensor and the passthrough grommet in the passenger side valve cover where the electrical connector plugs into. My engine is apart now undergoing upgrades and I will be replacing both VCTs for peace of mind moving forward.

Thank you very much for this! I have not thought about this and from your explanation, I might have the exact same thing. Mine is more audible from the passenger side as well!!!!!
I will unplug and check ASAP.

How many miles did you drive yours before discovering the issue? Also Did you encounter any issues aside from the noise before you decided to work on it?

 

[ntsami]

In the video, to me it sounds more like a squeak than a tick. Maybe an issue with a belt or a cracked pulley. Get yourself a piece of flexible hose a few feet long. Hold one end right up to your ear, then place the other end down near things that could be making the noise. The closer the hose gets to the source of noise, the more you will hear it. It's like a borescope, but for your ears.

good luck.

Appreciate the response. I have tried that with a metal rod but I haven't been able to pinpoint it yet.

 

[ntsami]

Sounds like a pulley or the belt chirping. Remove the serpentine belt and start the engine. If the noise goes away, you know it has to do with a pulley or the belt itself.

Go to harbor freight and get a mechanics stethoscope to pinpoint the noise. Sometimes, you can just spin the pulleys by hand (engine off, no belt) and feel if one of them has a bearing issue

Thank you. I will give this a shot. I tried pinpointing the sound from the pullies with a makeshift stethoscope (bare metal rod) and I have not been able to pinpoint to one specific pully yet.

 

[NGOT8R]

Thank you very much for this! I have not thought about this and from your explanation, I might have the exact same thing. Mine is more audible from the passenger side as well!!!!!
I will unplug and check ASAP.

How many miles did you drive yours before discovering the issue? Also Did you encounter any issues aside from the noise before you decided to work on it?

I noticed it very early on (maybe a year or so into ownership). I never had any codes appear either. I just lived with it with no issues other than hearing the chirping. It was annoying at first, but I tuned it out and just enjoyed the car (lots of 1/4 mile drag stop hits) and it still ran great.

I only took the car apart to upgrade valve springs and oil pump gears for the turbo install.

I had always told myself I would address the chirp if I ever pulled a valve cover for some reason. The part is cheap and easy to replace, given that it is up top and mounted via two bolts.

 

[ntsami]

I noticed it very early on (maybe a year or so into ownership). I never had any codes appear either. I just lived with it with no issues other than hearing the chirping. It was annoying at first, but I tuned it out and just enjoyed the car (lots of 1/4 mile drag stop hits) and it still ran great.

I only took the car apart to upgrade valve springs and oil pump gears for the turbo install.

I had always told myself I would address the chirp if I ever pulled a valve cover for some reason. The part is cheap and easy to replace, given that it is up top and mounted via two bolts.

Sweet.... This is exactly what I wanted to hear. The chirping sound went away after unplugging the first solenoid on the passenger side!! same as yours. I have been driving it for 2 years now with the chirping noise so I think I will wait till I find a reason to open up the valve cover. This is a relief. I started paying attention to it recently since I am thinking of putting a centrifugal supercharger in the near future.

Out of curiosity, what turbo set up are you going with and what made you choose turbo over supercharger?

 

[NGOT8R]

I chose the BL Fab turbo kit. The reason I went turbo over SC is because I’ve had two SC’d Mustangs already and I’ve always wanted to try turbo.

I’m making a thread on the install. You can see it here if you’re interested.

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/th...o-install-on-2019-bullitt.224189/post-4415183

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