Engine - Knocking Noise/Low Oil Pressure

88ford22

^ ENGINE OIL - LOW PRESSURE - 1.6L - OIL SLUDGING - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 6/06/88

^ ENGINE - "KNOCKING" NOISE - 1.6L - OIL SLUDGING - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 6/06/88

^ NOISE -"KNOCKING" FROM ENGINE LOWER END - 1.6L - OIL SLUDGING - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 6/06/88
Article No. 88-19-3
LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1987-88 TRACER


ISSUE: Low engine oil pressure or a "knocking" noise from the lower end of the engine may be caused by oil sludging. The oil sludge can collect in the cylinder head and oil pan areas causing the oil pick-up screen on the oil pump to become plugged. A plugged oil pump pick-up screen will result in poor lubrication of the internal engine parts. Oil sludging may be caused by a PCV system that is not recovering the piston blow-by gases or improper vehicle maintenance.


ACTION: Install a new design rocker arm cover and PCV valve to improve the flow rate of the PCV system. The improved flow rate allows for recovery and burning of piston blow-by gases. Refer to the following procedure for service details.


NOTE: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SHOULD BE RECOMMENDED TO THE CUSTOMER TO PREVENT SLUDGE BUILD-UP.

^ Use good quality SAE "SG" multi-grade engine oil.

^ Change oil at shorter intervals. Recommend a 3,000 mile (4,800 kilometer) interval.

^ Remind owner of the definitions of normal and severe service.

^ If hours, rather than miles, are used as service intervals, 100 hour oil and filter change intervals should be recommended.
INSPECTION

1. Inspect oil fill cap and rocker arm cover for signs of oil sludging. Sludge will appear as a thick oily substance. If sludge is present, proceed to the Cleaning Procedure in this TSB article. If sludge is not present, discontinue this procedure and refer to the Tracer Shop Manual, Section 21-01 and follow the engine diagnostic routines.

CLEANING PROCEDURE

1. Remove the cylinder head. Refer to the Tracer Shop Manual, Section 21-05.

2. Remove the rocker arm shafts and camshaft thrust plate. Move the camshaft so that the camshaft and cylinder head bearing surfaces are exposed.

3. Make sure the camshaft bearing journals and cylinder head bearing surfaces are not excessively worn or scored. Service as required.

CAUTION: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO POLISH OR REPAIR DAMAGED BEARING SURFACES ON THE CYLINDER HEAD.

4. Remove the engine oil pan. Refer to the Tracer Shop Manual, Section 21-05. Remove the oil pick-up tube and screen. Clean or replace the tube and screen assembly.

5. Remove the rod bearing caps and check the bearings for damage. If the rod bearings are damaged, the pistons and crankshaft should be removed. Check the pistons, cylinder walls, and crankshaft main bearing surfaces for scuffing or scoring. Repair or replace any damaged components.

6. Check the oil pump and repair or replace as required.

FIGURE 3:

7. Clean the oil control plug, Figure 3. Desludge the remainder of engine.

8. Install the cleaned engine oil pan.

FIGURE 4:

9. Install the rocker arm shafts following the torque sequence shown in Figure 4. Torque should be done evenly and in two steps. Specification is 16-21 ft.lbs. (22-28 N-m).

CAUTION: IT IS IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW THE ROCKER ARM SHAFT TORQUE SEQUENCE AND SPECIFICATION OR CAMSHAFT DAMAGE COULD OCCUR.

10. Install the cylinder head assembly. If the camshaft was seized it is recommended that the timing belt be replaced.

NOTE: STEPS 11 AND 12 ARE NOT REQUIRED ON 1988 TRACERS (U.S.) BUILT AFTER 11/02/87 AND 1988 TRACERS (CANADA). THESE VEHICLES HAVE HYDRAULIC LASH ADJUSTERS.

11. Temporally install the rocker arm cover. Start and run engine to normal operating temperature.

FIGURE 5:

12. Turn the crankshaft so the number 1 piston is at Top Dead Center (TDC) of the compression stroke. Adjust the valves shown in Figure 5 to 0.012 in. (0.3 mm) of clearance. Turn the crankshaft one full turn to bring the number 4 piston to TDC of the compression stroke. Adjust the remaining valves to 0.012 in. (0.3 mm) of clearance.

13. Install the new rocker arm cover.

14. Inspect the PCV hose for sludge; clean or replace as necessary.

15. Install a new PCV valve.

PART NUMBER PART NAME CLASS

E7GZ-6A666-A PCV Valve B
E8GZ-6582-A Rocker Arm Cover B

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Basic, Powertrain and Emissions Warranty Coverage
OPERATION: 881903A - Inspect
TIME: 0.4 Hr.
OPERATION: 881903B - Inspect and Clean
TIME: 9.9 Hrs.
DLR. CODING: Basic Part No. 6A666
Condition Code: 53