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Engine Rattle under load

ShadowSwept

ShadowSwept

New member
I just bought an 03 GT. Recently I noticed a rattle in the engine when accelerating. It can't be heard while idling so I'm unsure exactly where it's coming from. It gets noticeably louder shifting into 3rd, but fades at higher speeds. There is also a slight loss of horsepower that comes and goes apparently at random while driving.

Previously, I noticed the engine would pulse when idling, wavering between 600-800rpms. After using a fuel system cleaner idle RPMs rest level at around 900. The rattling faded for about 100 miles but has since returned.

Can anyone tell me the problem and how to fix it? Temperatures have been between 30 and 40f here lately. I'm wondering if that may have something to do with it.
 
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Junkyard manifold and crossover pipe? Either that or remove the loose bolt that won't tighten, get a smaller diameter bolt in there and put a nut on the other side and tighten it down. It would work for now. Might want to throw a lock washer in there as well so it doesn't vibrate loose again.
 
Thanks! Would you say that's the likely culprit for the horsepower loss, or would that be fuel related (seems to pulse like the idle)?
 
Def. a loss there. That leak is before the O2 sensor so its probably throwing it off. If you get that buttoned up and still have surging idle issues then we need to start looking for vacuum leaks.
 


Well, my car stalled for the first time today. Can't say I didn't see it coming. RPMs sit under 800 when idling and surge when cold. When surging it sometimes stutters when RPMs get lower like its going to stall, but I instinctively tap the gas to prevent it.Well, I didn't do that the other day and it stalled three times in a row. It wasn't particularly cold, nor was the engine surging at the time.I recently switched to premium gasoline (91) but have made no other changes. The exhaust leak has yet to be fixed as I decided to get headers and have yet to find a set. I'm aware that's causing problems, but this in particular sounds more like an issue with the fuel system to me. Any suggestions?Also, the engine now makes a whirring sound at higher speeds or when accelerating that sounds similar to a dry leaf against bicycle spokes. There is also some strong vibration before shifting in lower gears. Any idea what this is?
 
My car occasionally grinds just after starting, as if I held the key in start for too long. It usually tries to stall immediately after. Also, I noticed that when the engine is surging if I turn the steering wheel RPMs go up and then the surging levels itself out for a bit. My lights also dim slightly when the surging RPMs dip low. Surging is not only during idle, just more noticeable. Temperatures have been warmer than when I first noticed this problem, but it actually seems to be getting worse. What should I do?
 
Well, when you turn the wheel the system gets more of a load to move the power steering, so that sounds normal. The starter hanging up sounds like it may be suspect. Your lights dimming when surging low is normal as the alt. rpms are dropping.

You need to get that exhaust leak taken care of. If you can't afford headers right away then it may be in your best intrest to visit a local jy and pull a good set of stock mani's and see what you get. You can always keep them around for a spare once you install the headers.

The vibrations at shifting could be a trans. issue, a tune-up issue, or just the leak. Check your PS and trans fluids and make sure they are full and red (check the trans fluid at FULL HOT in park at idle).
 
Thanks, I'm visiting a junkyard next week so that should get taken care of. Also, I drained excess fuel from the engine as per The Manual and it hasn't stalled at start since. My SE had a finicky fuel pump so I had to give it a little gas for it to start. Looks like I'll have to break that habit :th_jester:.
 


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