[Shotimes] Ticking/oil leak

[Kerry Kinion]

Hey Guys,

I wrote in previously about a strange ticking noise that has started
after I did the 60k service.  I'm (OK - going out on a limb here) sure I
got the valve shims back to spec. - checked about three times before
putting the thing back together!

Got George's message and read FAQ about crank cancer - This could be the
problem??

Borrowed an automotive stethoscope from a friend, but I don't claim to
know what I am hearing thru the thing.  1st step was I removed RF
wheel/well/etc. and TQ'd crank bolt to spec(actually past a little bit).
Still makes the sound between 2-2500 RPM's.

Again, it sounds like a very muffled Oozy(spelling?) machine gun.

I have listened thru the stethoscope all over the engine and this is
just what I hear - keep in mind I don't know what the F I'm doing!!
1.  Cyl 6 seems to tick louder than the rest
2. I can hear the tick thru the crank pulley bolt too - even after
tightening to spec.
3. I can also hear it thru the oil pan.

I haven't learned about the lower part of the engine yet so excuse me if
I sound totally stupid.  I know it's probably time I started learning
about rod bearings, etc.  I'm tempted to take it in to the Ford Dealer
(luckily I have a very cool local dealer and contact) to see if they can
pinpoint what the noise is.

Any feed back is appreciated - the thing is running really good, am I
being overly anal about this noise I'm hearing??

Second question is this:  When I did all this 60k work I cleaned up the
underside of the engine really good (oil pan, trans, etc.).  Now, I look
underneath and have a very small oil leak.  It looks as though it is
coming from between the rear (yes - drivers side :-)) connection between
the motor and trans.  There is a gasket between these points that I can
see and the leak (I mean a couple drips now and again) is coming mostly
from the bolt or above the bolt closest to the driver that connects the
REAR end of the motor to the trans.  Is there a rear gasket - leak/weak
point above there I should be concerned about?  If so, what's the
procedure and difficulty level?

Thanks, and sorry for the long-winded post!

Kerry Kinion
'93 MTX - bone stock, 111k, fresh 60k (I think the 1st) done.