Topic: ticking noise

[Lisa]

I let my son drive my 2001 GT and now it is making a ticking noise.  The vehicle has only 65,000 miles on it.  Could it be the lifters?  What can I do to fix the problem before it leads to something worse.

[Soaring]

Lisa,
The first thing to do is to check the oil level on the dipstick.  If it is full, then you will need to take the car to a Ford shop to have them check out your lifters or wherever the noise is coming from.  I don't want to blame anybody, but it may be that the car was driven extra hard.  Ticking is usually a symptom of a loose lifter, but could also be other things as well.  Just get it to a shop as soon as possible, and don't let anyone drive your car but you. 

[Lisa]

  My 2001 GT has been diagnosed with a bad wrist pin.  The entire engine will need to be taken apart.  Should I just put a new engine in, or, allow some one to make this costly repair. I am heartbroken, only 62,000 miles on this engine.

[Soaring]

Replacing the wrist pin on one cylinder only is relatively cheap as to replacing the engine.  If I were you, I would have the engine repaired with a new wrist pin, and take the keys away from your son.  Have him sack groceries and make his own money to buy his car to tear up.