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2009 Escape engine knock

27871 Views 36 Replies 13 Participants Last post by  jsone
The engine knock/thump I had in my 09 V6 was resolved by replacing the right hand cylinder head and re torquing the left hand exhaust cam. I did have to go back a second time to replace the front crank seal that started leaking after the TSB was done.

This was covered by TSB 09-15-1 3.0L INTERMITTENT CYLINDER HEAD CAMSHAFT KNOCK/THUMP NOISE

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The noise only happens after engine is warm ,such as after hwy driving then slowing down to exit . It's not loud , and difficult to hear if radio or blower is on. I would describe it as a low level diesel like sound . It usually goes away after a few minutes of slower driving.

TSB 09-11-6 JUN 09 Engine - Intermittent Knock/Thump From R/H Cylinder Head


Just pulled this off my other site.It may be of interest.

"It is a "Special Service Message:20375" Concerning 1997-2010 Vehicles. Engine ticking or rattle noise.

These engines may experience an engine ticking or rattle noise that sounds like a stuck tappet. This may be due to the deterioration of an aftermarket oil filter. Vehicles with this condition have low oil pressure at one cylinder head only, while main pressure is normal. Disloged material from the aftermarket oil filter blocks the cam cap oil passage, either at cylinder #4 or #5.
Ford recommends the use of Ford approved filters only. Damage to engines cause by aftermarket oil filters are not covered under warranty."
TSB 09-11-6 JUN 09 Engine - Intermittent Knock/Thump From R/H Cylinder Head


Just pulled this off my other site.It may be of interest.

"It is a "Special Service Message:20375" Concerning 1997-2010 Vehicles. Engine ticking or rattle noise.

These engines may experience an engine ticking or rattle noise that sounds like a stuck tappet. This may be due to the deterioration of an aftermarket oil filter. Vehicles with this condition have low oil pressure at one cylinder head only, while main pressure is normal. Disloged material from the aftermarket oil filter blocks the cam cap oil passage, either at cylinder #4 or #5.
Ford recommends the use of Ford approved filters only. Damage to engines cause by aftermarket oil filters are not covered under warranty."
Thanks for the info , but that sounds like a totally different issue . Also the TSB referred only to 2009 Escapes as far as I can find out.
I once read a comparison study of various oil filters, and Napa's WIX, purolator, and Motor craft stick out in my mind as those of better quality and similar construction.

I had heard of a person having oil pressure problems caused by a paper filter that failed. IIRC those mentioned above use a different filter material.
I wonder how many are still out there with this issue ? The noise isn't very loud and only happens when the engine is good and warm.
Oil Filters Revealed - MiniMopar Resources
I once read a comparison study of various oil filters, and Napa's WIX, purolator, and Motor craft stick out in my mind as those of better quality and similar construction.

I had heard of a person having oil pressure problems caused by a paper filter that failed. IIRC those mentioned above use a different filter material.
The issue I'm referring to has nothing to do with oil filters. Some of the 09 Escapes had incorrectly machined right hand cylinder heads . Some also required re torque of the left hand exhaust cam bearings . Ford TSB 09-17-8
The noise is intermittent and only occurs after the engine is warm , usually after highway driving. It's difficult to hear if the radio or air conditioner blower is on. I've heard several Escapes besides mine that had the noise. I would bet alot of people with the issue are still unaware they have a problem. I have never been able to find out what long term damage if any might be done .
Mine is knocking as well and the other day when it was in for service we took it for a drive and of course couldn't get it to knock. Did the dealer actually hear yours knocking or did they just change it for you. Can't imagine that
if it wasn't under warranty, i'd suggest modding it so you can put a v6 from an older vehicle into it so you wouldn't have to worry about all the bugs...
Mine is knocking as well and the other day when it was in for service we took it for a drive and of course couldn't get it to knock. Did the dealer actually hear yours knocking or did they just change it for you. Can't imagine that
After having several dealers blow me off , I called the Service Manager at the dealer I purchased mine from . After explaining I had the symptoms described in TSB 09-17-8 he arranged to have a tech ride with me. I presented the tech with a copy of the TSB and we went for about a 5 mile trip on the freeway , then I exited to a parking lot . As I slowed we could both hear the noise and he agreed it wasn't normal.

It's easier to hear with the air and radio off. I would describe it as a light diesel sound . Mine would usually do it after warmed up and a few miles on the highway. But couldn't hear it until slowing down or at idle .
Best of luck to you . No telling how many are still out there with the issue.
There is also a TSB on torque converter knock , but I think is was only for some of the very early 09's.
Dang, I think my 2010 has that same issue. A couple of times, after driving about 15 miles or so, I could hear a very light dieseling-like sound which went away maybe 2-3 minutes after I slowed down. Does anyone know if this has the potential for damage? I'm not even sure if I can get that taken care of while I'm over here.
Dang, I think my 2010 has that same issue. A couple of times, after driving about 15 miles or so, I could hear a very light dieseling-like sound which went away maybe 2-3 minutes after I slowed down. Does anyone know if this has the potential for damage? I'm not even sure if I can get that taken care of while I'm over here.
I could never find out if it has any long term consequences . I didn't think the problem affected the 2010s . Sometimes after mine started the noise I could stop and let it set there and idle and the noise would continue for 5 or 10 minutes , maybe longer. These engines tend to be a little on the noisy side anyway .
jsone,

I usually have my radio on and one day not too long ago I was on my way to the river for some fishing and didn't have the stereo on. When I pulled off the main road onto a side road, I immediately heard the sound which reminded me of the way cars used to "diesel". It wasn't loud and if I didn't have the stereo off, I would have never heard it. Shortly after, you or someone else made a post about that TSB and sure enough, I've heard the same sound at least 2 more times after driving for a while and then slowing down. But mine is very low, definitely a dieseling/ticking sound and goes away after about 2-3 minutes.
I'll start listening for it a little more, if I can remember to turn my tunes down/off :)
Just as an FYI. On the other site people told me that it's only the 09's that have this issue. This isn't true, I have an 08 and had the same problem. So if there is someone with an 08 and you have the knock then take it to the dealership and they will let you know if it's under warranty or not.
Just as an FYI. On the other site people told me that it's only the 09's that have this issue. This isn't true, I have an 08 and had the same problem. So if there is someone with an 08 and you have the knock then take it to the dealership and they will let you know if it's under warranty or not.
The '09 is a different engine compared to the '08 though.
I had this issue at 1200 miles they replaced the back cylinder head on mine. Thanks to the other froum for posting the TSB I was able to get this resolved right away. I wasnt a happy camper about having a brand new engine tore down. So far no knock/thump issue after the fix my Escape has 7100 miles on it now.
I had this issue at 1200 miles they replaced the back cylinder head on mine. Thanks to the other froum for posting the TSB I was able to get this resolved right away. I wasnt a happy camper about having a brand new engine tore down. So far no knock/thump issue after the fix my Escape has 7100 miles on it now.
I hear you .. felt the same about them replacing mine as well !
Hi Jsone
Last year, I brought my Escape in for this noise and the techs couldn't hear the noise. I hear it everyday I get off the highway (as long as my radio is off). Have you had any other issues since replacing the head and fixing the subsequent oil leak. I want to get mine fixed even if I have to go to another dealer. I currently have 37,000 kms. I have a copy of the TSB 09-17-08.
Thanks
I have the same problem with our 2009 Ford Escape 2.5L engine, the dealer's master mechanic say it's normal.
The vehicle has 48,000km done every oil change at Ford since day one.

I posted a video on youtube under "2009 Ford Escape Engine Sound"

Could anyone tell me if theirs sound the same?
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