Ticky Ford/Mercury camshaft

Some 2001-2005 Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable, 2001-2006 Escape and 2005-2006 Mariner vehicles built prior to 1-17-2006 equipped with the 3.0L 4V Duratec engine may exhibit a ticking noise from the left bank cylinder head, only with the engine at normal operating temperature.

To diagnose, with the engine running and at normal temperature, using a mechanic’s stethoscope determine if the ticking noise is coming from the left hand intake camshaft at cylinder number 6. If the ticking noise can be verified, refer to the following service procedure.

1. Remove the left bank valve cover.
2. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise until the number 6 cylinder intake cam lobes are pointing up and the valves are fully closed.
3. Remove all left hand intake cam caps individually and reinstall them finger-tight. Note: The camshaft caps must be completely lifted off and then set back into position. Loosening and re-torquing the cap bolts is not sufficient.
4. Torque the cap bolts in sequence to 72 in.-lbs., excluding cam cap number 8L.
5. Using a screwdriver positioned on each side of the top of cam cap number 8L, apply hand pressure and shift cam cap number 8L toward the exhaust side of the cylinder head.
6. While holding cam cap 8L in the shifted position, torque fastener number 9 (inboard) first, to 72 in.-lbs., then torque fastener number 10 to the same value.
7. Install the left hand camshaft cover.
8. Fully warm the engine to normal operating temperature to verify the repair.