I started my 99 escort up this morning and it had what sounded like the GM pistion slap but it went way for 2 seconds, came back for 2-3 seconds and, went away. it was not consistantly there. I checked the oil and it was fine as always. I use Moble 1 5w-30 and a MC 2005 oil filter. I have never noticed the noise before
It is a 99 ZX2 2L DOHC with 80K miles that have been well maintained
Please help,
Dustin

 

Take an engine stethoscope to it. It is nearly IMPOSSIBLE to diagnose things over the 'net, especially an engine we are not experts at.

My thought would be it's time to change the timing belt and you are hearing the tensioner go bye-bye. But, once again, I ain't there to listen!

I have heard that on a 98 Contour....the belt was cracked on it, too, but since it is a non-interference engine, you'd only be stranded if it broke....some kind of relief, I guess.

 

it has not come back now that it has warmed up a little. How hard is the inspection cover to take off. I guess it was temp sensitive?I would find it kinda funny that ford never says change it based on milage anr time. My maintmaince book for my car that came with the owners manual goes back to 120 months=10 years and 120K miles and NEVER spesifies to change the timing belt but I was planing on it in about a month because of funds.