Typewriter Tick/ BBQ tick fact compilation?

[Will2]

Mine definitely has it, started maybe around the first oil change or perhaps even a bit before. I notice it most when driving near walls. It can sound kind of intermittent or more regular. I initially thought it was something hitting a wheel spoke or something stuck on the driveshaft, then realized, oh, this is probably that 'typewriter tick' Mustang guys have posted about. I trust it's probably OK but is kinda disconcerting, especially if Ford can't/won't explain why

I'm pretty surprised a gearhead enthusiast hasn't pinpoint diagnosed it yet

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[Lunchbox330]

Same as most down this rabbit hole, after oil change start it up and there is the tick.

2025 GT- Second change 3,000 miles Motorcraft Full Synthetic oil and filter, start it up, instant tick. I’d normally associate this with low oil levels type sound, but levels are perfect etc etc.

Only question I have that I don’t see answered in the world of “Oh S!$T What is this sound?!” Panic reading we all do after hearing a sound is:

Most all the videos/talk I see asking “is this it”
Are idle videos walking around the car and the rando tick tick is apparent. I’d assume that’s what we are all talking about.

But what about at lower acceleration/rev does the tick speed up with the rev? (And disappears about 2.5k) That’s what mine is doing and that’s the worry // that’s my “is this the tick” question!?

I can get over it if that’s the 5.0 life and move on for sure, but random “ticks” and “varied with the rev ticks” seem like they are different levels of worry lol

 

[DevilDog]

I had it on mine after the first oil change. It only lasted a short time and then went away. I've had several oil changes since then and haven't heard anything.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

But what about at lower acceleration/rev does the tick speed up with the rev? (And disappears about 2.5k) That’s what mine is doing and that’s the worry // that’s my “is this the tick” question!?

I can get over it if that’s the 5.0 life and move on for sure, but random “ticks” and “varied with the rev ticks” seem like they are different levels of worry lol

That is a totally separate noise called the 2k rattle. People on forums often conflate the BBQ tick and 2k rattle but they are two different things. Google 2k rattle and you'll find another rabbit hole to go down.

 

[Lunchbox330]

Right on!! Thanks thanks for the reply!

 

[Gregs24]

My S650 had the tick from new, my S550 never ticked in 40k miles and several oil changes.

It is normal, Ford say it is normal and engines do not fail as a result of the tick.

 

[Cz_Ziemniak]

Same as most down this rabbit hole, after oil change start it up and there is the tick.

2025 GT- Second change 3,000 miles Motorcraft Full Synthetic oil and filter, start it up, instant tick. I’d normally associate this with low oil levels type sound, but levels are perfect etc etc.

Only question I have that I don’t see answered in the world of “Oh S!$T What is this sound?!” Panic reading we all do after hearing a sound is:

Most all the videos/talk I see asking “is this it”
Are idle videos walking around the car and the rando tick tick is apparent. I’d assume that’s what we are all talking about.

But what about at lower acceleration/rev does the tick speed up with the rev? (And disappears about 2.5k) That’s what mine is doing and that’s the worry // that’s my “is this the tick” question!?

I can get over it if that’s the 5.0 life and move on for sure, but random “ticks” and “varied with the rev ticks” seem like they are different levels of worry lol

Whatever you do, don't start overthinking it and pouring Ceratec (or anything else) into your oil, regardless of what people say. I know its tempting, and people swear by it, but dont. Its all backyard science stuff. Just keep changing the oil at a regular interval.

 

[Skye]

Attached is the Special Service Message of the tick. It doesn't explain it. It does say it's normal.

All the threads, posts and discussions, I haven't notice one correlating the tick to damage, loss of HP, etc.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

Whatever you do, don't start overthinking it and pouring Ceratec (or anything else) into your oil, regardless of what people say. I know its tempting, and people swear by it, but dont. Its all backyard science stuff. Just keep changing the oil at a regular interval.

There's nothing "backyard science" about Ceratec. Specialty shops have been using it for years and its quite commonly used by Porsche enthusiasts.

Now do you need it in your Mustang? - No.
Does it eliminate BBQ tick? - yes.
Will it hurt anything? - Absolutely not.

 

[Cz_Ziemniak]

There's nothing "backyard science" about Ceratec. Specialty shops have been using it for years and its quite commonly used by Porsche enthusiasts.

Now do you need it in your Mustang? - No.
Does it eliminate BBQ tick? - yes.
Will it hurt anything? - Absolutely not.

Dumping random additive packages into your oil is more or less the definition of backyard science. Just because Ceratec comes from a big name brand does not mean its actually any good. Molybdenum or not, its still snake oil in a fancy bottle.

At best, you're just diluting the oil itself and messing with the viscosity. You're just dumping a bottle of this stuff without so much as measuring it.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

Dumping random additive packages into your oil is more or less the definition of backyard science. Just because Ceratec comes from a big name brand does not mean its actually any good. Molybdenum or not, its still snake oil in a fancy bottle.

At best, you're just diluting the oil itself and messing with the viscosity. You're just dumping a bottle of this stuff without so much as measuring it.

Its not a random additive, and it doesnt dilute the oil lol. You clearly have no idea what your talking about. Thats okay. We all have our biases. Im not going to try and convince you otherwise.

 

[Cz_Ziemniak]

Its not a random additive, and it doesnt dilute the oil lol. You clearly have no idea what your talking about. Thats okay. We all have our biases. Im not going to try and convince you otherwise.

I would like to know in what way is it not just a random additive package in a bottle. Was it specifically formulated to work with Ford Motorcraft oil? By definition, it is diluting the existing oil by displacing 300 mils of actual 5w30 -or whatever other weight you use-

The argument could be made that its formulated to work in tandem with actual liquimoly, but that's its own can of worms. If its so good, why would they not just add that additional bottle of ceratec ingredients to their own oil, or a more upscale branded version (think amsoil signature series).

The only possible reason I could think of is that it wouldn't pass certain GM Dexos regulations or requirements, but Pennzoil doesn't either so that idea is out the door in my eyes.

It is as random of an oil additive as any other mechanic in a bottle you may find. The fact that Porsche dudes have been using it for years doesn't change anything in my eyes. The same can be said for people using Quaaludes for decades to help with insomnia.

If you can find me some hard evidence through oil analysis or testing, then I am more than happy to change my tone on this. Its not inherently as nefarious or problematic as other oil additives, but I have yet to see a single result that shows it as actually beneficial.

Tribology is a very deep rabbithole that's almost not worth going down, but pretty much the one thing that most can agree on is that oil additives are junk across the board. But hey, cars are weird, they do weird things sometimes. I am genuinely willing to change my mind on this.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

I would like to know in what way is it not just a random additive package in a bottle. Was it specifically formulated to work with Ford Motorcraft oil? By definition, it is diluting the existing oil by displacing 300 mils of actual 5w30 -or whatever other weight you use-

The argument could be made that its formulated to work in tandem with actual liquimoly, but that's its own can of worms. If its so good, why would they not just add that additional bottle of ceratec ingredients to their own oil, or a more upscale branded version (think amsoil signature series).

The only possible reason I could think of is that it wouldn't pass certain GM Dexos regulations or requirements, but Pennzoil doesn't either so that idea is out the door in my eyes.

It is as random of an oil additive as any other mechanic in a bottle you may find. The fact that Porsche dudes have been using it for years doesn't change anything in my eyes. The same can be said for people using Quaaludes for decades to help with insomnia.

If you can find me some hard evidence through oil analysis or testing, then I am more than happy to change my tone on this. Its not inherently as nefarious or problematic as other oil additives, but I have yet to see a single result that shows it as actually beneficial.

Tribology is a very deep rabbithole that's almost not worth going down, but pretty much the one thing that most can agree on is that oil additives are junk across the board. But hey, cars are weird, they do weird things sometimes. I am genuinely willing to change my mind on this.

There is quite a bit of Data out there in Ceratec you can reserch. Its not my job to educate you. Like I said, you have your bias and im not going to convince you. Also remember im not advocating it as something anyone needs. Lets not further derail the thread on a side discussion. If you search the 6G forum there are multiple threads on it.

 

[Cz_Ziemniak]

There is quite a bit of Data out there in Ceratec you can reserch. Its not my job to educate you. Like I said, you have your bias and im not going to convince you. Also remember im not advocating it as something anyone needs. Lets not further derail the thread on a side discussion. If you search the 6G forum there are multiple threads on it.

Incase anyone is wondering, within one of those 30+ page 6G Forum threads (of which I have read through all of them) it was also discovered that adding a few teaspoons of powdered carbon to your engine oil also reduced the BBQ tick. This was apparently suggested to him by a Ford field engineer, for what its worth.

With that being said, please do not start adding teaspoons of carbon powder to your engine oil.

So yes, its not your job to educate me. I already did my due diligence and research. There is no conclusive, nor verifiably trustworthy data out there suggesting ceratec is beneficial aside from data directly from Liquimoly itself. There is just heresay and speculation based on "the engine makes less noise", which is a truly meaningless metric as far as i'm concerned.

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