Intermittent Rattling When Accelerating

2L84SLEEP · 18 Oct 2009 at 16:47

Hi

Over the last 2 to 3 weeks, my 53 plate Ford Focus has developed an annoying rattling noise from the engine when accelerating. It doesnt happen all the time and I am still trying to track down if there is any real pattern when it happens. Main occurences at the moment seem to be when I have been at quite high revs, foots been off the accelerator and then when I slowly start to press it again the annoying rattling noise starts.

Sorry I cant be more descriptive at the moment, just wondering if anyone has any ideas what it may be? If you have any questions please ask.

Thanks

Phil W · 18 Oct 2009 at 17:04

Does it sound like an external rattle or internal?

I.E it could be something like a heatshield, or the engine could be pinking...

2L84SLEEP · 18 Oct 2009 at 19:45

Definitely an internal noise.

BigglesPiP · 18 Oct 2009 at 20:19

Has a heat-shield been bent back against part of the exhaust or something? This can happen if you go through a flood real quick, been some flooding here of late.

Dr Who · 18 Oct 2009 at 20:20

Does it happen more when under load, ie uphill?

If so could very well be a fuel issue and its knocking.

TaKeN · 18 Oct 2009 at 20:22

Injectors?

2L84SLEEP · 18 Oct 2009 at 21:30

Certainly doesnt seem to be confined to uphill, can happen on the level as well as downhill. Where would I find the heat shield?

As you have probably told by now, I know very little when it comes to cars

BigglesPiP · 18 Oct 2009 at 21:33

2L84SLEEP said:
Where would I find the heat shield?

Between the exhaust and the floor, part - if not all - of the way down the car.

I only mention it because when my centre box was touching my heat shield, it sounded so much like the engine was making the noise, but the noise was behaving completely wrong for engine rattles.

cm1179 · 18 Oct 2009 at 21:47

i think it is the heatshiled. happened on my lupo a few weeks ago, it's easily resolved and will stop you going insane on long journeys