Grinding noise at 750-1k rpm

[SLO_SHO]

Hello all,
The last couple of weeks I've been getting a strange grinding/creaking/rattling noise at 750-1k rpm but only after the car is warmed up to temperature. It doesn't matter if it's in park, neutral, or drive. But more noticable while in drive. Its been driving me crazy because I can't pin point it. Sounds like its coming from the front of the engine (front right) I have been getting a p0430 code for quite sometime, so I'm wondering if the cat is falling apart finally inside? Or maybe the belt tensioner? I hope it's not timing or transmission related. Any insight would be helpful. Thanks guys.

 

[SHOdded]

Year and mileage on your SHO? Could be a control arm or motor mount or strut mount, exacerbated by the harmonics of the car. I would say get it up on a lift and check all the suspension/steering components first.

 

[SLO_SHO]

2011 SHO, non PP 108k miles. I thought that originally, I had brought it in to ford for an oil change and they said everything was tight and looked good. Brought it into a different shop this morning and had a better idea on what it might be. From the sounds of it today, it sounded like it was coming from the hpfp...its like a creaking, unusual sound. Not at idle but only at 750-1.5k rpm. Is this a sign of it going bad? I am tuned by unleashed, 93 octane. Thanks

 

[SLO_SHO]

2010* also, I hear it not only in drive but in park, neutral, and reverse as well.

 

[SHOdded]

Typically hear rattling noises if the hpfp is going bad. Grinding in that area is possible from the cam follower OR the cam. Hopefully the cam itself is fine, as rare cases of it being broken have happened. I do remember vaguely about early model SHOs needing the fuel line brazed, but that should not cause grinding.

Easy way to see if it is from the hpfp is to keep aside the appearance cover for a while. Then test with the hpfp cover in place and with it removed. If the noise intensifies without the cover, you will want to remove and inspect the pump. 10 minute job to remove.

 

[SLO_SHO]

That's good info, thank you. You're saying test with the hpfp cover on/off or the appearance cover? Sorry, just want to be clear. And by hpfp cover, what part is that? Just the top circular piece? It's ok to run the car with it off? New to all this so bare with me please. I do appreciate your time

 

[SHOdded]

Yes take the engine cover off and keep it off for the duration of the testing.

The hpfp has its own foam cylindrical cover to keep noise levels down. Listen for the sound with this cover on and this cover off.

 

[SLO_SHO]

How do you reccomend getting the cover off?

 

[SHOdded]

It just pulls off. Kind of a ball and stud arrangement, so you pull at the corners to remove it, no tools needed. Might take some effort if the cover has not been removed for a while. Put some dielectric grease on the retainers before reinstallation.

Livernois to the rescue!

You can clearly see the HPFP cover up front with an UP and arrow marked on it, towards the front of the engine

 

[SLO_SHO]

I guess mine doesn't have a cover, I've never noticed one on there before

 

[SHOdded]

OMG, LOL. No appearance cover, no HPFP cover, no oil fill cap (is that a breather filter?), missing hose ... So many issues with this pic ... Surprised the throttle body motor cover is still on! I am sorry I need a minute to process this LOL.

Can you make a short video of the engine while it idles? This thing will clatter like a diesel once it settles down, which is perfectly normal. But it should be very rhythmic.

 

[SLO_SHO]

Lol it is ugly and due for a good cleaning. I do have an appearance cover, just not on at the moment, just no hpfp cover. Also, no hose because I have my BOV vented to atmosphere. Honestly the more I hear it the less I think it's the hpfp. In the video the car is at idle for the first 15 seconds or so, and I think it sounds great at idle, than the noise creeps in. It only does it when throttle is engaged. Its like a creaking sound. ...

It's not allowing me to add the video , is there someplace I can send it to you directly? Thanks

 

[SLO_SHO]

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=245901202905226&id=100024560437736

 

[SLO_SHO]

And yes, it is a breather cap. Sorry I missed that

 

[SHOdded]

Can't see the video, I guess coz it is not on a public page in FB? I would undo the VTA mod, see if that makes a difference. Certainly may be contributing to the dirty engine situation as well, have you checked the intercooler for pooling crud? Livernois does not support VTA, btw.

Creaking could be very slight engine movement. Really need to locate the sound, maybe the underbody splash shield is not on tight, or a motor mount bolt is slightly loose, etc. The creak could also be a bit of flutter. Really would like to hear the sound for myself. Best thing to do is upload to YouTube and share it publicly.

 

[SLO_SHO]

I've never heard of anyone having issues with the VTA, I've had it over a year with no issues but I guess you really never know for sure.
I thought maybe it could be engine movement of sorts or a loose bolt near splash shield or heat shield but when I brought it into Ford for an oil change I had them check to see if anything was loose and they said nothing was....who knows how thoroughly they checked. I just don't understand why it wont start making the noise until after the car has reached operating temp....makes me almost wonder if it's a broken cat, with something jiggling around in there after it gets hot enough? I've had a p0430 code go on and off on me now for little over 6 months, been kinda ignoring it but maybe its time for down pipes.

 

[SHOdded]

That sound is definitey there, like a ratcheting almost? I think it has been reported at least once before, will have to look for it. Maybe a belt tensioner, i hope nothing more. Have not heard CCs make that sound.

 

[SLO_SHO]

Kinda like a ratcheting sound, it's a hard one to explain for sure. I'll do some more research but do plan on bringing it in regardless. Belt tensioner has crossed my mind more than once but I've never heard a bad one only make noise after the car is warm, although I'm sure it happens.

 

[SLO_SHO]

I put a stethoscope to it, and from what I can hear it sounds like it may be coming from this area...stupid question but the ba inside the breather car wouldn't make a echo rattle noise, would it?

 

[Matt M PA]

I'm stumped...but wonder if it could have anything to do with the "sound symposer" (noise maker) at the far 10 o'clock position of your picture?