When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
A dealer that I trust near me just took in a 2014 V8 Vantage S in absolutely perfect cosmetic condition with 20k miles. The price he mentioned to me was about 25k lower than what I expected (roughly $40k), and when I asked why, he said "well, it has a scary engine sound, and I don't mean the exhaust."
Here's a video of the sound in question, and wanted to get y'all's thoughts:
A mechanic friend of mine said he thinks it's lifter tick that could be adjusted, not rod knock.....what do y'all think? I can ask him to do a light rev or change the RPM to see if it sounds more knock-y, but the sound seems very consistent at idle.
I really don't mind a bit of wrenching myself, especially to save half of the price on a beautiful car, but if the only option would be a full rebuild or replacement (I don't think the AM dealers near me do any in-house engine work), that deal doesn't look so good.
EDIT: He also mentioned that they did a compression test and found the "noisy" bank had ~150psi across the cylinders, and the other bank had ~175 psi on all four. Decent variance between heads.
Last edited by andratch; Feb 27, 2023 at 04:56 PM.
4.7 engines do make odd noises that would make one believe something could be wrong. As far as wrenching on lifters DIY it's an OHC shim and bucket design that involves a few special tools. Lower compression on all 4 cylinders seems odd. I would want to have it inspected and added diagnostic beforehand.
it would concern me that compression was not roughly equal in all cylinders and that all four cylinders were down on one bank. speaks to a head gasket problem and the noise is consistent with a rod knock. i'd steer clear. ...suspect that they know something they're not telling me. trust me when i say that they were well aware of the problem when they became owners and will still make a profit if and when they sell it at 40k.
it would concern me that compression was not roughly equal in all cylinders and that all four cylinders were down on one bank. speaks to a head gasket problem and the noise is consistent with a rod knock. i'd steer clear. ...suspect that they know something they're not telling me. trust me when i say that they were well aware of the problem when they became owners and will still make a profit if and when they sell it at 40k.
I suspect you're right. The noise could be as simple as tappet shim buckets, but even that *could* mean engine out....and to your point, if it was that simple, I'd imagine they would have googled it as I did and determined they could fix it prior to selling. The compression difference is a whole different level of concern!
Look at it the other way: if it comes to worse the 25k upside will allow you a bottom end (if needed) and full head refurbish and leave some cash spare. When all done and documented properly your engine will be better then new.
Is this the car @ Beverly Hills Car Club? I would definitely run as it more than likely needs an engine, or extensive rebuild.
Originally Posted by IJWS
I've been browsing Beverly Hills Car Club ads for a while and always get a bad vibe from that dealer. Whoever said "run" was probably correct.
Yes it is. I get similar vibes from some of their cars - they also have a really nice looking 67 Mustang Fastback and kind of slid into the description that it has a rebuilt title. When I asked about the AM, the guy said it was "likely something minor." If it was, they would address it to make more money!
I've been there in person to look at a Pantera, lots of various cars and a whole building full of air cooled Porsches. I believe alot of there stuff is junk they buy and just clean it up.
I also had a check done on warranty repair. It had cylinder heads off and valves replaced 15k mi. Ago
Please be cautious.
When my 2012 V12 Vantage had a problem that required engine replacement, my service advisor said that the bill would be about 70K for replacement.
It was all covered under extended warranty.
My caution is "do not underestimate what this COULD cost you in the future."
Thanks,
JH
Hello, coincidentally, we are just working on the same problem, ticking sound in cylinder head. Found out it was a broken Valve spring.if it’s the exhaust side you can replace it from above (without taken the engine out) . Just by putting. Air pressure on the cylinder. Check valve clearance!
valve spring Costa less than $20. The sound in The video makes it look like more broken valve springs.
see picture off the valve spring. Also the dealer in Europe didn’t see it. This engine had the same Noice.
Last edited by Wimj; Mar 4, 2023 at 08:50 AM.
Reason: Picture
Hello, coincidentally, we are just working on the same problem, ticking sound in cylinder head. Found out it was a broken Valve spring.if it’s the exhaust side you can replace it from above (without taken the engine out) . Just by putting. Air pressure on the cylinder. Check valve clearance!
valve spring Costa less than $20. The sound in The video makes it look like more broken valve springs.
Dealers are smart and they have resources. If it was a broken valve spring they would know. It’s not that difficult to diagnose. In that case they would fix it and price the vehicle accordingly.
As others have said, if you purchase this car be prepared for and engine out rebuild.
'14 4.7L Vantage S -- Lifter Tick?
