Hi,

Recently I have noticed more noise than usual from my engine. It is a 1.4 duratec with 140K; it has regular oil and filter changes (Castrol Magnatec 5W/30)

Firstly when cold it is very ‘tappety’ a distinctive ticking noise which disappears once warm. I am lead to believe this is normal, but it has got louder lately.

Secondly when warm and in higher gears, say 4 th at 40MPH, if I accelerate I would expect the engine to labour a bit at this gear/speed but it now makes a very deep growling sound which it never used to. This disappears when the speed picks up.

It runs fine although it does sound slightly wheezy at idle, and I’m sure I can feel a slight misfire on acceleration occasionally. NB all filters, plugs etc replaced 8K ago with ford parts.

Also my coolant drops from max to min about once a week or every 800 miles. I can’t see any obvious leaks, anyone know of any common weak points?

Any advice much appreciated.

Graham.