[MidNiteKnight]

I dont know about you guys, but it seems that my engine is starting to sound like a diesel at idle. Ive heard a few four bangers and some sound pretty quite. And this is getting me worried. Any one has the same problem?

 

[big_bill_smith]

Well, although my I4 doesn’t quite sound like a diesel engine (yet) it does make more noise than any other four cylinder I have ever owned. If had known how much it was going to annoy me, I would have coughed up the extra bucks for the V6. I’m just not happy with the noise produced on acceleration with this engine. My previous car (Sable) with the Vulcan engine was so quite, you didn’t even know it was running at times.

 

[Showtime]

I think it's just the engine. My old Focus and my parents Mariner do the same thing. Ford still has a way to go before making a serious 4 cyl. to compete with the imports. I've driven a 4 cyl Camry and Accord and it's smooth as silk. I think something also has to do with the fact that it uses a timing chain instead of a belt. Yes you don't have to replace it every ~75k, but I'd trade a $500 timing belt replacement every 75k over a noisy engine.

 

[cos]

Diesel? At idle you can hardly tell that my 2.3 is even on! Our 2.3 Mazda motor may not be quite as refined as a Honda or Toyota but they cost a LOT more. As for the exhuast note it's a tuning game game - some folks want ultra quiet and others want to hear their motors. I for one don't want ultra quiet and as you can see here on the board Magnaflow exhausts are popular. As for timing belts - they're an expensive PIA to install (IF they're done right) and you really should replace tensioner(s) while your in there - big bucks - NO thanks! I think that's why Honda has moved from belts to chain - lower maintenance costs. As for me - I'm quite pleased with the overall refinement and performance of our 2.3.

 

[Cross Bolt]

[quote author=MidNiteKnight link=topic=64038.msg1098797#msg1098797 date=1165289210]
I dont know about you guys, but it seems that my engine is starting to sound like a diesel at idle.  Ive heard a few four bangers and some sound pretty quite.  And this is getting me worried.  Any one has the same problem?


[/quote]
My I-4 is quiet with no engine issues yet. Over the years I have heard some loud four-cylinder engines and some of them were Japanese. So far, I have no oil usage and the performance is very good for an automatic transmission car.
FYI, there is and oil screen ahead of the VVT Actuator and if it plugs up, it may cause an issue with the actuator. That should not happen if you use good oil and keep it changed.

 

[Ceace]

I have noticed the noise on mine also, a ticking noise. It worried me for a while, but now I ignore it. I want to instal some Magna Flows on it so I will have to get use to a little noise.

 

[fc13b-re]

I've driven hundreds of cars, and owned plenty a majority of them 4 cyl. This one is really no different soundwise than the rest, it's long stroke is what keeps it quiet at lower rpm's and grumbly at higher rpm's, and even though i refer to it having a long stroke compared to a 3.5L or higher it's still relatively short, so thats why your getting more noise in general. Other things not engine related add to the problem thin firewalls, less soundproofing, so on and so forth.

 

[dr441600]

[quote author=fc13b-re link=topic=64038.msg1108852#msg1108852 date=1166169477]
I've driven hundreds of cars, and owned plenty a majority of them 4 cyl. This one is really no different soundwise than the rest, it's long stroke is what keeps it quiet at lower rpm's and grumbly at higher rpm's, and even though i refer to it having a long stroke compared to a 3.5L or higher it's still relatively short, so thats why your getting more noise in general. Other things not engine related add to the problem thin firewalls, less soundproofing, so on and so forth.
[/quote]

FC makes a good point about sound deadening. Perhaps the Milan has more of this than the Focus. Our I4 idles much quieter than either of the Integras, even with the hood up. Perhaps your is idling too low, and needs a TSB/chip refresh.

T

 

[Metallicat]

Could it be injector noise that you are hearing at idle? The injectors have an audible "tick" on these engines. In the upper rpm ranges the noise you hear is mostly intake noise - I agree it could be quieter.

 

[MidNiteKnight]

Yea your rite, its mostly the drivetrain of the engine. I got use to it tho so i cant barely notice it any more.

But I do love the sound of the upper rpm or full throttle. Sounds like a nice 4 cylinder European sports car.

 

[06 milan 5speed]

the noise u here is actualy quite normal it is due to the fact that the duratec 23 has skertless pistons and they are nativeley noisey mine has made a racekt since i got the car with 5 miles on it now it has 15000 extrmaly hard miles almost 7 grand every day but i use royle purple oil with a half qourt of lucas synthec oil stablizer and its quiter than with the factoy junk oil and insted of 5-20 i use 5-30 dont worie its safe un less its realy cold were u are than u may have a slow crank at worst

 

[mrc]

That "junk" oil they put in at the factory is actually a very good synthetic blend oil that turns in some real good used oil analysis. Your Royal Purple with Lucas oil stabilizer is probably running about a 5W-40 after you add that Lucas petroleum oil thickener. If you are using a petroleum oil thickener, why are you wasting 7 bucks a qt on a PAO based synthetic? You're just making a real expensive synthetic blend that probably performs worse than the factory fill since the viscosity isn't what is spec'd for that engine.

 

[cos]

Most, if not all triboligists would agree with mrc. Do the research - the Lucas isn't helping. Royal Purple is probably pretty good but once again most if not all triboloigists (and BITOG members) would choose Amsoil or Redline.

 

[06MerlotSE]

7000 grand every day?? What are you doing qualifying for nascar or something? And im pretty sure our cars redline at 6500 but I have an automatic and its not flashed so im not sure.

 

[mechanicboy18]

I have had my car reflashed twice and the redline(fuel cutoff) is at 6700rpm each time. Now With bob's tuner I shift at 7k when i want best performance. I love going about 104MPH in 3rd gear screaming the engine at 7k, It's very satisfying. I just wish my premium tunes would work, then I bet I'd really love it!

 

[Jaysen]

Thats crazy, Ive yet to push mine past 6k, never really had the need.

 

[pantherdan]

I have a 2005 focus with the 2.0 duratec that is essentially the same as the 2.3l in my fusion (big difference is the head and stroke from what i have read). it is VERY noisy at over 40k. i expect my 2.3 in my fusion to get louder as the miles increase. come on, be realistic, as engines get older and wear, the whole system gets more loose and therefore more noisy. dont be surprised. there isnt a manufacturer out there that actually wants his product to last forever. sure, he would make a cubic butt-ton of money the first few years, but then he would make nothing, since he would never sell another vehicle, correct?

if you want a totally silent drive train, then go buy the mega dollar acura or infiniti or whatever. dont buy the best bang for the buck car made today (for argument sake we will call it the fusion). its that simple. some of you guys just kill me when you pay 20k for a car and just cant understand why its doest perform and sound like a 40k car. cant you be happy that the fusion generally has such a good maintenance record? mine hasnt cost me a cent over gas and oil. i'm happy.

 

[crystallas]

IDK if the mega dollared Acura or Infinity really are much better than the Fusion as far as reliability. Definitely not the Infinity, I dont think Nissan has had the best track record with recent cars and high mileage and I see more new Hondas and Acuras for sale now needing new trannys than ever before. Times are changing and thats my .02 about it.

I love the sound of my engine. I'm the kind of guy that HAS to be able to hear my engine just to help me diagnose any current or future issues that I might have with the vehicle. The dampening is perfect in the Fusion IMO, lets you hear what you need to hear, and is plenty quiet for me the rest of the time. I just hit 7k, and nothing unusual for me. But if you're experiencing noise that is abnormal, then keep your eyes and ears peeled, it could be something that needs attention. As that tends to be possible.

Oh, and people don't buy new cars just because their old ones die. That does happen for a lot of people, but some people just like new cars! I know I'll prolly buy my next car as soon as the 2.5Ls are out and about(just as long as it has a clutch and stickshift.)

 

[yeloxr7]

I had an 03 Focus with the 2.3 Duratec and put 24,000 mile on in one year. It was still quiet when I traded it in. The 2.3 in my 07 Fusion Se is still quiet at 9500 miles.

 

[redrider]

Just turn up the Ra-dadio