Up and running again!

[warrioralumni08]

Finally, after a long wait, and lots of money, and patience, she is running again. Cranks up on the first turn of the key with no hesitation. I am very sure I did everything right this time, and double checked everything. A service manual helped out alot also. Still has that familiar ticking though, and I wished it would have gone away. I am sure though its a worn rocker arm, or lash adjuster. Then again, it could be the pos plastic timing chain tensioners, wish I would have kept the oem ones. Isn't there a design flaw in all the dohc heads up until the 03/04 cobra though? Just to make sure I didn't want to spin a bearing again, I am using, 3/4 groove main bearings, high volume pickup tube, ford racing high volume oil pump, 10w-30 motorcracft synthetic motor oil, and a balanced rotating assembly, with a Steeda crank pulley. Would it benefit to switch to 5w-20 or 5w-30, as Ford recommends it? It would provide quicker lubrication wouldn't it?

 

[chris2523]

i use 5-30. timing chain slap quiets way faster on start up.

 

[Don Pfau]

I'm not saying this is it but if you have on a bad oil filter that allows the oil to drain back out of the engine after it sits for a while it will make it rattle after you start it as the pump has to refill the motor before you have any oil pressure. As far as oil weight a 03 Cobra uses 5-20 and have lots of oil pressure so I'm sure they have a high volume pump. Put a oil pressure gauge on it to see what happening.

 

[97MarkJA]

Accusump FTW!
https://www.cantonracingproducts.com/product/24-046/24-046----ACCUSUMP-1QT-NO-VALVE/
Add an electric valve, flip the switch before you start the car. Instant oil pressure.

 

[chris2523]

I'm not saying this is it but if you have on a bad oil filter that allows the oil to drain back out of the engine after it sits for a while it will make it rattle after you start it as the pump has to refill the motor before you have any oil pressure.

i have had timing chain rattle on startup with every oil filter i have ever had.
motorcraft included.

 

[thaywood]

i have had timing chain rattle on startup with every oil filter i have ever had.
motorcraft included.

Same here when I had my '96 Mark. Timing chain rattled for about 5-10 seconds at startup even with the anti-drain back Motorcraft filter. It did it for 7 out of the 10 years I owned the car.

 

[warrioralumni08]

I really dont think its timing chain slap. As its constant, and quiets down when the engine is fully warmed up to about the m mark. So, kind of makes me think the oil gets thinner as its warmed up and provides lubrication quicker. Right now i just start her up and let her idle for 20-30 minutes, with 10w30 motorcraft. I will drive her around Friday for about 100 miles, then switch to 5-30, maybe 5w-20. Too many oil brands to choose from lol as everyone has their own opinion.

 

[vr4]

The design flaw includes 03 cobra heads. Mine has the bad heads but thankfully no tick.