1986 Ford Pinto Poor acceleration and grinding noise

ADAMPIN

MEMBER
1986 FORD PINTO
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
3,000 MILES

Hi guys,

I have a 1986 Ford Capri (UK model) and have just had engine rebuild 3000 miles ago(2.0 Pinto) but have developed a grinding noise coming from the engine bay on acceleration which also hinders the performance of your go foot. What could this be? I though it was the distributor as it was not advancing properly but this has now been changed. The engine has been checked out and also idles perfectly! It can be a bit ropey on start up though. Also when this noise intermittently happens the car runs hotter than it normally would but does not over heat. I know the alternator is weak could be this possibly have any thing to do with it?

1 Reply

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

This noise could be lots of things and without hearing it, it is hard to say it is this or that. What I recommend is find the noise first. To do this simply get a long screw driver and put the handle up to your ear cupping you hand over handle to create a seal between your ear and you hand. Now take the other end of the screw driver and put it on the valve cover and listen, then the alternator and power steering pump and air conditioning pump(if you have A/C) and so on till you find the noise. Let me know what you come up with and we will take it from there.