chrisd6875

Hi, just bought a 2000 V6 Mustang and now notice a faint ticking noise coming from the driver side of the engine area. From my experience in the past, I'm thinking it is an exhaust leak. I know its pretty tough to diagnose this on-line, but what do you guys think that know these engines?
And if so, what is the fix?
Thanks,
Chris.

chrisd6875

Almost forgot, its got 107000 miles.

JayMax03

yeah that's most likely what it is I have the same problem

du907

It is probably in the seam or weld joint on the manifold would be my guess.

chrisd6875

The Haynes service manual says the V6's are known for warped exhaust manifolds.

03shadow

Haynes service manual is also written by morons

whiteforlife

I have a 2000 v6 Mustang that ticks on the drivers side. It makes the same sound as if you were to put a card in bicycle spokes. Is this the same tick that you hear?

Derf00

Most of the exhaust leaks on the 99-04 v6's are from the passenger side since the condenser's drain tube is right above the exhaust manifold weld joint where the y-pipe connects.

Odd that yours is on the drivers side.

I'd still guess the same thing Where all three exhaust ports go into one on the manifold side, that mounting ring is probably cracked at the weld.

chrisd6875

Thanks, next chance I get, I will check the welds out. It usually goes away within about 5 minutes. However, I have not had the car during a winter yet, so the sound might last all the time then.

alburton

My 2002 3.8l would tick, from the driver's side, for 15-30 seconds on first start of the day and also after it sat for as little as 45 minutes. Mine was the manifold. I had a shop remove the manifold, weld it up, re-install with a new gasket, and the tick is gone!
Al