Question for SHO experts

[Shozilla]

I purchased a used SHO+ with 173k. I have owned 3 SHO's in the past but have ran into a new problem. I have a rattle when the motor is under alot of load. To my knowledge no maintenance has been preformed on it. I am assuming this is a rod bearing noise however the noise is not dirctly related to the rpm's. What I mean by this is that when the rpm's go up it is not any louder. Also it will not make the noise when in neutral and revved. From searching posts I am lead to believe it could be my throw-out bearing. I plan to change the rod bearings in the near future and am not currently driving the car. Does anyone have any other ideas on my mystery noise?
Thanks

 

[Rockledge]

It's almost as if you have some spark knock going on, although your knock sensor should be preventing that.

Have you tried pulling the codes? Almost always the best place to start.

http://www.dalidesign.com/hbook/eectest.html

Doesn't really sound like a rod knock to me.

 

[Shozilla]

don't think its a knock sensor. Sounds more like a tin can in the bell housing. I will run the codes later. Thanks for the help.

 

[cmichaelo]

The Helms manual also has some good suggestions for diagnosing the problem...

Why would your throwout bearing be affected when the motor is under load?

Michael

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Two words: Mechanics stethoscope. About $6 at most auto parts stores. Invaluable tool for finding noises.

 

[Tmade]

I'm not an expert... but mine started doing that...a light rattle under load, and a friend of mine, who has 4 Shos currently, thought it was a vaccuum issue. Well several months later...the rod bearings went out and I just replaced my engine.

Good luck!!!

Doug

 

[Slo-Sho]

Sounds more like a tin can in the bell housing.

Or marbles in a tin can?

Try switching to a higher grade of gasoline, and try a few treatments of Seafoam or the like. You are describing pinging or pre-detonation. It could be related to carbon build up in the combustion chamber. Periodicaly running the car to redline helps to alleviate this as well as keep the piston rings nice and free.

 

[93SHO'nOFF]

If the noise can also be heard when first pulling out(like a chattering sound),the term ford gave it is called "gear rollover".This comes from the vibration between gears when torque is applied in MTX models,there was a TSB released in the 90's to let dealers know that is an normal condition and no repair was necesary.I came across it several times, some worse than others.Hope this helps you out.
Later