More Engine Problems. . .

[1dollar240]

I know its hard to diagnose an engine problem just by hearing my crappy written description, but here goes anyway, thanks for any help in advance.

Once the motor warms up fully it starts to make a sort of metal on metal rattling noise. it could be valve chatter, or maybe a stuck valve/lifter. It doesnt overheat, and only makes the noise under load, i dont think its the transmission, and i've checked the heat sheild, fan shroud, and pretty much any other external accessory that could be rattling. Also, it makes alot of mini- backfire noises from the exhaust when i let the rev's fall while its in gear (like slowing down from 40+). If it runs for more than 8-10 minutes after warmup, it starts idling erratically, and i usually have to keep on the gas a little to keep her running. It doesnt overheat, but if i let it die at that point, it wont start back up, but just crank over very slowly. example: it died on the way home from work saturday night, left it over night and hitched a ride with a friend, sunday afternoon, went to get it and it started right up.). Anyone got any ideas?

[1dollar240]

ttt

[fiznat]

well what have you tried? is your ECU throwing codes? are you getting fuel pressure all the way up to the injectors? is your AF ratio possibly off? have you tried to replace anything yet at all? did you think about the fan clutch at all? That causes some funky noises sometimes (although it wouldnt cause your car to stall I dont think...). do you find any of your fluids mixed at all (gas in the oil, oil in the coolant, etc...)? are you sure that you're getting a good enough spark at the correct timing? maybe your wires are worn or something like that- does the car jerk at all like it's off timing?

I donno, just a bunch of questions to ask to help track your problem down...

[yellow_jacket]

Personally I've seen this problem with other vehicles and it has been weak spark. You'll have to go through the things that were mentioned above as well until you find the problem.

[1dollar240]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, I just found out today that my brother is out of town for 2 weeks so i get to use his car while i rip into mine. Hopefully i'll figure it out.