99 Cobra cracked ring

cgun wrote:

> It all started about 12K to 15K miles ago. I know that because I
> change the oil every 3K miles and it was four or 5 oil changes ago. At
> first it would just start ticking (or tapping) when it go close to time
> to change the oil. Then I started noticing it tapping when I would
> stop at a light. It's a convertible, so I could hear it pretty
> clearly, especially if I was next to a wall or a larger vehicle. Every
> once in a while I get a puff of smoke when I start it up.
>
> I've been running an oil consumption test with the dealer and have
> noticed something. Since I've had it in I have been driving very
> cautiously - never going over 2500 to 3000 rpm. It wasn't using up any
> oil (compared to a quart or two between changes). The last two days
> I've been running it up to 4K and I notice that when I start it the
> next time I get a puff of smoke. I'm betting it will go through oil
> now. A cracked ring (not piston) does make some sense to me with this
> kind of behavior. It does sound like my old 74' Ford truck when I had
> a collapsed lifter.

I don't see how a cracked ring could make a sound you could
hear. It would still be held in place by the grooves in the
piston and the cylinder wall. There's no place for it to go,
and it seems the dealer is just guessing. Hard to say what's
ticking, but you could start by checking the valve clearances.


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