ford mustang help

[robert1839]

so i know this isn't a British car but i was thinking some one must be bale to help with this or is running a mustang engine

so my naboor has this 88 5.0 mustang and he loves the thing to the end of time. and it now has this clicking nose. sounds like it is coming from on top the engine. it also is over heating. he said that the temp gauge just jumped up when he was driving and he caught it so he just shut it off and had it towed home. so we think this has something to do with the clicking. i am thinking a head gasket or a valve problem. whats your in put

[rficalora]

Both those are options and are easy to check.  Also check the oil... low enough oil could cause those symptoms but I'd think if he lost that much oil suddenly, he'd have noticed.

[ex-tyke]

Pull the plugs and check plug condition - a bad head gasket should show on plug colour.

[Dan Jones]

> Also check the oil... low enough oil could cause those symptoms

The '88 Mustang 5.0L HO engine had low tension oil rings and forged pistons from the factory.  They are known to consume
oil from new.  My '87 always used a quart of oil between oil changes.  High mileage engine may consume more.  There should
be a low oil sensor in the side of the oil pan that comes on when the engine is 2 or 3 quarts low, assuming it is still
operative.  If oil level gets too low, you can hear lifter clatter.

> it also is over heating. he said that the temp gauge just jumped up when he was driving

The stock fan clutch can fail.  While checking it, look for cracks at the base of fan blades.  Also, there is a short black
plastic piece under the bottom radiator support that makes a high pressure region under the car so air is forced through the
radiator.  It often gets knocked off which will cause temperature to creep up on the highway.  Thermostat could also fail
shut.

> i am thinking a head gasket

Check the oil for color and coolant smell and watch the exhaust for signs of coolant (white smoke).  Also remove the radiator
cap and look for bubbles in the coolant.

> we think this has something to do with the clicking.

The serpentine belt tensioner can may a knocking noise when the bearings go.

Dan Jones

[DiDueColpi]

Another possibility is the water pump.
The seals let go and you dump all your coolant onto the serpentine belt.
Once dry, the coolant residue on the belt clicks just like a bad lifter.

Cheers
Fred

[robert1839]

we used a micanic stethoscope and tracked down the nose it sounds like its coming from the under the valve cover