131 Mondeo, "ticking" sound from the engine

MacDanger

VID_20221024_093847.zip

Hi

My 131 1.6L diesel mondeo has developed a "ticking" sound over the past week or so. Initially it was barely audible when I accelerated but now it can be clearly heard when idling. I lifted the engine cover earlier to take a look and it seems like there's oil (?) escaping from somewhere at the back of the engine - any ideas on what it is before I bring it to the garage? I'm guessing it's not going to be cheap

Thanks

BlakeS94

That ticking sound along with "oil" escaping sounds to me like injector. I reckon the oil is diesel spraying out of the injector hole due to worn seals/washer.

BlakeS94

Only just listened to the video, 100% definitely Injector seals in my opinion, the area you're pointing your phone at is directly on the Injectors, which is where the smoke is coming from.

Should only cost labour and price for maybe a copper washer, depending on condition of injectors, maybe get a leak off test done at same time.

All in all not the worst that could happen expense wise., but it is something that needs to be done sooner rather than later.

MacDanger

Sound, thanks @BlakeS94.

I'm reasonably handy and generally interested in learning this sort of stuff - is it something I could have a go at myself with the help of youtube? Or would I be better off leaving it to a professional?

BlakeS94

Shouldn't be too bad of a job, a few things I'd keep in mind.

-Make sure you know how to bleed the fuel system as high pressure unions will need to be opened.

-Depending on how carbon'd up the injector is from all the Blow-by, it may be very difficult to remove

-Might be worth your while investing in an injector seat cutter/cleaning tool. Or try do your best with a flat head screwdriver, the new copper washer needs to mate against a smooth flat surface when reinstalling.

-I'd recommend doing all 4 copper washers at the same time. Also make sure that the old washer comes out attached to bottom of the injector, could be a faff to remove if it's stuck down the bore. I'd put a *tiny* amount of something like thick silicone grease on bottom of the injector to keep the new copper washer attached when refitting.

- Also be careful with the leak off pipes and you may need to buy a new set of retaining clips that lock the pipe into the injector as they are made from sprung metal I believe.

Check out Alan Howatt on YouTube he has lots of videos on MK4 mondeo including removing injectors and tips. He works on 2.0 but principles will be the same.

Best of luck with it

Polo_Cluvie

Agree with Blake 100% injector washers. It's doable at home if the injector isn't too carboned up. If however the washer is stuck it could become quiet a job and doing all 4 there's a good chance you'll have issues with at least one.