I need help identifying a sound coming from my engine!

[VinceSez]

I need help identifying something coming from my engine. At idle I don't hear it, but usually when I back up, or when my car isn't warmed up there's a sound that comes from my engine. It sounds as if the hood is loose. My friend told me that I need to replace, or tighten the engine mounts, but I wanted to really know what the problem was. Does anyone know what the issue could be?

I have a 1992 fastback.

[benemorius]

Something could be loose, though I hope it isn't your engine mounts.

Have a good friend drive your car while you listen around and try to locate the noise. There is little else we can do without more info.

[mss5413]

Turn your engine cooling fan by hand with the engine off to make sure it is not locked up. If it takes more than the push of a finger then it is locked, you will need a new fan clutch.

[VinceSez]

it isn't the cooling fan because it turned easily...when I turned on the engine i noticed that the engine would shake upon start-up, could this mean i need new engine mounts?

[mss5413]

Your motor mounts could be shot. Can you shift the motor around by hand without starting the car or do you notice that there is freeplay in the bushings or maybe the motor mounts have loose mounting bolts or loose bolt holes.