1997 3.0L Troubleshooting

[97Blues]

Let me first say that TRS is the best website for tech data and getting ideas.

I have a 1997 3.0L with close to 180,000 miles on it (just breaking it in) and have owned it for most of that time. I have, like many fords, a tick/ping coming from what sounds like the drivers side rear part of the engine.
Heres the twist: 2 years ago I took it to the dealership to have a tune-up, long story short no tick/ping before but they broke a spark plug off in the drivers side rear most cylinder and somehow got it out. ever since then the tick has been there... Is there anything I can do to trouble shoot this? Any parts off hand that would get damaged by a broken spark plug removal?

Second question: Power steering w/ac. when I run the AC and turn the wheel I can hear the belt slipping. Brand new belt. SOmetimes upon start up the belt slips slightly too. I am prety sure it is the AC condensers fault but it works fine as long as you are not accelerating or turning... which kinda sucks!

Thanks in advance

 

[Bob Ayers]

It's possible that there is a piece of porcelain from the plug bouncing around in the #6 cylinder. If replacing the belt didn't work, then the next thing it could be is a weak belt tensioner.

 

[bikerboy]

I would also check for an exhaust leak as far as the ticking noise goes. Bob pretty much got it on the second question. If the new belt didn't fix it either it isn't adjusted right or the automatic tensioner needs replaced. When the belt is off spin all the pulleys to feel if they spin smooth as well. Let us know what you find.