Sounds from engine

1997 FORD MUSTANG
120,000 MILES • 4.6L • V8 • TURBO • RWD • AUTOMATIC
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MSMCCORKLE
  • MEMBER
  • 33 POSTS
I have a ticking noise coming from the engine block that gets faster at higher rpm. How can I tell if it is my alternator or lifters? This is my daily driver and I know it is bad to drive if it is my lifters.

Two questions:

1) How can I tell what is causing the ticking?
2) If it is lifters, what do i need to do? Will changing the oil alleviate this situation?
Mar 6, 2017 at 4:28 AM
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HMAC300
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 48,601 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
you need to try to locate the sound like more on top or bottom of engine first. it may be a piece of dirt in lifters you can try an oil change, but rarely does that fix it. there are additives that are sold at auto parts, but I have never really had any luck with any of them. you could try adding a quart of auto transmission fluid sometimes that works at oil change. otherwise you will have to find which one it is to replace or all of them. However, it could also be an adjustment if they are adjustable.
Mar 6, 2017 at 6:53 AM
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