Rod Knock?

[rfiltz]

I've been having some intermittent knocking coming from the engine area, usually only when loading the engine, not during idle or cruising. Almost sounds like a spark knock or maybe a pulley rattle, not too loud but noticeable. A friend said a rod knock could also sound like that. Is this common for the SHO? '92 MTX with 126k on it. I've done the timing belt, CPS and water pump, but not the valve shims yet.

 

[ckinart]

rfiltz,

The nature of the sound you are hearing is key to determining what your problem is. Pre-ignition (or "pinging") and rod knock will, in all likelihood, sound distinctly different. Search this forum for the word "pinging" as this topic has been discussed on a number of occasions. Light pinging is not normally considered a serious problem, but if you're anything like me (picky), I'm sure you'd like to try to fix it.

My '94 MTX pings under light load at lower RPM's despite having recently performed the valve lash adjustment and changing the knock sensor. My next course of action will be to try an aggressive fuel system detergent.

Hope this helps, and good luck!