Engine - Rocker Arm Squeak/Chirp/Knock
Article No.94-10-9
06/10/94
^ ROCKER ARM - 3.8L ENGINE - LOW PITCHED "SQUEAK", "CHIRP" OR "KNOCK" NOISE
^ NOISE - 3.8L ENGINE - LOW PITCHED "SQUEAK" "CHIRP" OR "KNOCK" FROM ROCKER ARM
FORD:
1989-94 TAURUS, THUNDERBIRD
1994 MUSTANG
LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1989-94 CONTINENTAL, COUGAR, SABLE
This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to correct the labor allowances.
ISSUE:
A low medium-pitch noise, such as a "squeak", "chirp" or "knock" that can be heard under the hood or in the passenger compartment, may be caused by the fulcrum and rocker arm assemblies. The noise is most noticeable at engine idle with the engine at normal operating temperature.
ACTION:
Use the following diagnostic procedure to determine if a Break-In Additive will eliminate the noise or if a new set of rocker arm assemblies are required.
1. Bring the engine to normal operating temperature.
2. Using a stethoscope on the rocker arm cover, determine if rocker arms are noisy.
3. If noisy rocker arms are present, add one (1) container of Break-in Additive (E9SZ-19579-A) to the crankcase.
4. Continue to idle the engine for ten (10) minutes.
5. Test drive the vehicle for no less than five (5) minutes.
6. Check for the noise. If the noise is gone, change the crankcase oil and filter. If the noise is still present, proceed to Step 7.
7. Remove the rocker arm covers. Refer to the appropriate Service Manual, Section 21-15 for 1989/90 models and Section 03-01 for 1991/94 models, for service details.
8. Remove all the rocker arms, fulcrums and retaining bolts. Refer to the appropriate Service Manual, Section 21-15 for 1989/90 models and Section 03-01 for 1991/94 models, for service details.
9. Install NEW rocker arms, fulcrums and retaining bolts as follows:
a. Soak new rocker arms and fulcrums in Break-in Additive (E9SZ-19579-A) for a minimum of three minutes before installing them.
b. Rotate the crankshaft until the tappet is resting on the heel (base circle) of the camshaft lobe.
c. Position the rocker arm over the push rod.
d. Install the fulcrum and retaining bolt.
e. Tighten the retaining bolt to 7-15 N-m (5-11 lb.ft.).
10. Final tighten all the rocker arm retaining bolts to 30-40 N-m (23-30 lb.ft.).
NOTE:
THE CAMSHAFT CAN BE IN ANY POSITION WHILE PERFORMING STEP 10.
11. Change the crankcase oil and filter.
Parts Block
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
SUPERSEDES: 94-2-16
WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage For 1991/94 Lincolns And All Other 1992/94 Cars; Basic, Major Component And Powertrain Warranty Coverage For 1989/1991 Model Year Vehicles
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
941009A Remove And Replace 2.6 Hrs.
Rocker Arm Assy. -
Thunderbird/Cougar/Mustang
- Base Engine
941009B Remove And Replace 3.9 Hrs.
Rocker Arm Assy. -
Thunderbird/Cougar -
Supercharged Engine
941009C Remove And Replace 1.9 Hrs.
Rocker Arm Assy. -
Taurus/Sable/Continental
DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
6564 56
OASIS CODES: 497000, 499000, 702000, 702100