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2.5L V6 Ignition Coil Pack

T

tnv2010

Be Gentle I'm New Here
Joined
Feb 15, 2007
Messages
4
Hello All,

I have a 2000 Contour SE V6 MTX. I'm getting a fairly pronounced tapping noise when the engine is running. It varies in speed with rpm.

The best way to describe it would be that it sounds like a lifter that's worn. However that would be impossible with this OHV V6 engine.

It sounds like its eminating from the ignition coil pack. Are there any moving parts in this device? If not, any idea what this sound could be?

tia
 
Welcome. If you can post a sound clip, that would help. It could be an exhaust leak but we won't really know unless we hear the sound.

Did you by any chance had the engine oil too low (or had the oil light come on)? If yes, then it could be an engine knock and that doesn't sound good.
 
there are no moving parts in the coil pack.

The only things that move are in the engine.

Make sure that none of the plugs have come loose.

If not, it may be time for a new motor. How many miles do you have on the motor? Do you have enough oil? And lastly, where are you located. You may be near a CEGer that could lend a hand if needed.
 
Oil level is at full capacity. Motor has 126,000 miles on it. I do occasionally get a whiff of something like exhaust with a faint gasoline odor through the cabin air vents after stopping at a traffic light. Sometimes the motor seems to stumble for a moment (possible misfire?) but generally idles just fine.

ty for the replies btw
 
the stumble can come from a bad plug, plug wires, vacuum leak, clogged fuel filter, fuel pressure regulator, etc. Basically it's either a fuel, spark delivery or vacuum problem. It's a very broad answer, I know, but that's where it comes from.

If you're smelling fuel, check where the fuel line connects to the fuel rail for any leaks. And around the fuel injectors as well. If you look right underneath the intake tube, you'll see the one fuel line coming up to the motor and going underneath the intake.
 
When the Duratec gets into high mileage, there is often valvetrain noise. There are 24 "roller rockers" (or "finger followers") with hydraulic lash adjusters that get out of spec and cause clatter, much like a collapsed lifter. If it is definitely a top-end noise, this is most likely the case.

But I'll second the issue of a possible loose spark plug; I've seen it happen.

Hopefully it isn't a rod or main bearing, or a wrist pin. But be prepared.
 
I did have a coil pack that was cracked in the epoxy from over heating. When there would be water on the coil, it would make a snapping noise as it was arching over itself. If that was happening, you would see the spark and DON'T TOUCH IT! You will definetly feel the shock from the coil so leave it alone when the car is running...
 
Ok, I feel a little embarrassed.

Turns out it was a loose sparkplug after all. Tightened the rear left one and the tapping sound as well as the occasional odor is gone.

Just goes to show you should always check the simple things first. ;)

Thanks for all of your suggestions, I guess this contour will continue to roll for a few more years :)

Now to get on to rebuilding that rear suspension....
 
I hope the threads in the head are ok and your spark plug won't loosen up again. I had a spark plug blow out because a shop decided to change my plugs when the head was warm. They pulled the threads out like butter... :sad:
 
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