Is there any mechanical explanation for the Gen 3 Coyote BBQ tick?

[EruptionGT]

1,800 miles on my 2022 Eruption Green and I have the famous BBQ tick after doing my first oil change. Usually when the cars hot at idle, you’ll hear that little spark ignitor sound similar to a stovetop or a barbecue. It does not seem to be making any knocking or deep sounds, just that high pitched clicky sound. I posted some YouTube videos at the end of this comment to show exactly what it sounds like.

Since there appears to be hundreds of pages of BBQ tick on the different social media platforms, I’m wondering if anyone has developed a factual explanation as to what exactly it is and why?

I’ve heard many different theories.

1) piston slap (heard it was mainly an issue on the 2018-2019, and how some engines depending on their individual clearances sometimes had Piston to wall contact due to thermal heat expansion in the piston and aluminum block),

2) solenoid and oil pressure related - the 2018+ have a computer controlled oil bypass solenoid to lower oil pressure at idle to run more efficiently, and some theorize that the hydraulic lash adjusters at low oil pressure at idle are not fully inflated which causes a tiny gap between the hydraulic lash adjuster and rocker arm. When it does cycle it makes contact and “ticks”. When oil pressure goes up and you increase RPM, the HLA fully inflated and makes contact with the arm, and the ticking usually stops.

3) just run Liquimoly Ceratec as almost everyone I’ve talked to says it quiets the Gen 3 bbq tick and don’t think about it until if and when it blows up.

What are your thoughts on all of this? Anyone have special intel from a master tech or someone high up at Ford who’ve spilled the beans on what exactly is going on?

clip 1:

clip 2:

Sponsored

 

[Bikeman315]

I’m wondering if anyone has developed a factual explanation as to what exactly it is and why?

The straight forward answer today is the same as it has been since the introduction on the Gen 3 engine. "NO" There has been no definitive answer on the subject. Sorry, but it is what it is.

 

[AvalancheSVT]

16 fuel injectors
32 valves
8 pistons

lots of things movin around in there.

piston slap would mean a ring was toast and you 'd be blowin smoke.

 

[KJZ28]

I put ceratec in my last oil change and the engine is super quiet and smooth compared to before. I highly recommend it.

 

[shogun32]

10w30 or perhaps 40 and the engine is happy. Don't put that watered down crap in the crank case.

See, now it's an oil thread.

 

[Prymetime1]

Send it....its under warranty

 

[paulm1]

well you asked..........
1) i read that #3 cylinder has the longest oil path out of all of them and by the time oil get there at idle pressure is to low to keep the lifter inflated. That and $2. will get you a cup of coffee.

2) I had the tick after the first oil change in my new '21 back in may. Took it to my first track night about a week later and wrung the living piss out of it for 2x20 minute sessions. Cooked the stock brakes, almost boiled the fluid, had shift lockout of 2nd and 3rd gear, had a blast. And the tick has not come back. Somebody called that the Italian tune up.

 

[schmeky]

Shogun32.

Is correct.

I have run 10-W40 in my 2018 since the day I bought it and it literraly purrs. Super quiet, never a tick. Ever.

No additvies, just Full Synthetic 10W-40.

5W is for mileage, don't let the naysayers tell you otherwise.

 

[Qcman17]

The bbq tick is not a Gen 3 thing but rather a Coyote thing for about 12years so I don’t know where you are hearing it’s piston slap but that is utter bullshit. Oil cavitation seems to have some possible explanation.

My engine is noisy but it runs like a champ and will for a long while yet I’ve no doubts and I’m sure the OPs will too.

 

[trackd]

I've been using the track recommended viscosity per the manual and no tick so far. Will stick with this definitely.

 

[Prymetime1]

well you asked..........
1) i read that #3 cylinder has the longest oil path out of all of them and by the time oil get there at idle pressure is to low to keep the lifter inflated. That and $2. will get you a cup of coffee.

2) I had the tick after the first oil change in my new '21 back in may. Took it to my first track night about a week later and wrung the living piss out of it for 2x20 minute sessions. Cooked the stock brakes, almost boiled the fluid, had shift lockout of 2nd and 3rd gear, had a blast. And the tick has not come back. Somebody called that the Italian tune up.

I just got the tick after my second change ( earlier this week) ill take it out for a good stress relief ride and report back...

 

[Cobra Jet]

This thread probably has more than anyone wants to read about the “tick”…
https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/th...iter-tick”-is-a-normal-characteristic.116925/

As @Qcman17 pointed out, the Coyote “tick” has been around for many years - and I’m not sure why the “tick” is such a focal point on this site since the 2015 rolled out… because the tick existed way before the S550 even materialized ….

 

[Bulldog9]

Seems that it is most commonly reported on fresh oil which is counter intuitive..... Seems to subside after some driving.

The sound is similar to lifter failure or loose valve, but as it goes away on revs, and is only intermittent on idle, and clearly lower in the block and not the heads, and from the rear, I'm at a loss, but I've not torn into one of these motors.

Also seems is present when cold. It is too sharp and rapid to be timing chain slap, and seems to come from the rear.

Piston slap rarely happens at idle and when cold unless the engine is roached. These new motors clearly aren't.

 

[Chomperr]

It annoyed me this one time I was sitting in the garage and noticed it for the first time.

I put on an aftermarket exhaust and can’t hear it anymore

 

[WildHorse]

and I’m not sure why the “tick” is such a focal point on this site since the 2015 rolled out

Because Mustang owners. They complain about everything. My buddies Lambo engine makes all kinds of crazy noises. They all call it music. Be more like those Lambo guys.

Sponsored