Brand new Ecoboost, few seconds of lifter tick sometimes

[Will2]

Metallic tapping for a few seconds, then gone.

Happens rarely, after an auto-stop-start. Never noticed it on a true cold start (like in the morning).

I'm guessing lifter tick. Checked oil level: full. Brand new car so should not be aged timing components or anything like that.

Is this normal or should I be concerned enough to schedule dealer service?

Sponsored

 

[Will2]

I suspect it's due to oil aeration from oil over-fill. The oil level has consistently come back ~1/4" to 1/2" above the top dot. This might also explain why I haven't noticed any ticking on a true morning cold start, but rather after a short run, when the oil has been aerated, then I hear it on the first ASS cycle.

 

[theGreyDonkeys650]

Is it possibility it’s the injectors? I thought Direct injection is noisy at times

also the ecoboost has a timing chain
Just a thought

 

[LouG]

My MX5 had lifter clatter. But only when cold and was oil type dependant. never did it with Mobil R4T, did with Mobil One.
You could listen with the screwdriver stethiscope. Get someone to start it when hot, hold the handle to your ear, the other end to the valve cover. Great for isolating noise location.
Or, use a real stethiscope.

 

[Will2]

Seems to have disappeared, fingers crossed. Maybe bad gas, old gas in the lines? Was a leftover '25 sitting 6 months.

Noticed it loudest the first time they started it in the dealer delivery bay. Not a true cold start, since they drove it to the delivery bay. Loud metallic slapping, almost like from under the car (probably echoed in the delivery bay). Went away after 5-10sec. The A/C was running, I think that extra load on the engine provoked the noise.

From then on, I heard it occasionally in the first 80-ish miles, usually when lugging from a stop after auto-stop-start. Only few seconds at a time, and seemed to get quieter each instance. Now seems to have completely gone.

Who the heck knows... Seems unlikely to be something ominous like rod knock. More likely piston slap or lifter tick. Or maybe that's why they call it "break in". BREAK in

 

[Will2]

Heard it again today. It's rare, maybe once in a week, so hard to show a dealer.

Only on low accel from a stop/pause, usually ~5 minutes after a cold start. Never happens on the cold start itself. Also never noticed it when driven for a long time, freeway, etc.

Sounds almost like rod knock but only for a few seconds of accelerating. Any ideas?

Sponsored