Rattle noise near engine bay

Good morning,

Yes, the catalytic converter shield is a very common issue.

The tac welds break and the shield vibrates. If that is the case, you need to have it re-secured.

Are you sure it sounds like the shield and not in the engine?

Can you upload a video of the sound?

Roy

REMOVAL

NOTE: The catalyst welded shields are to be replaced with clamp on service shields.

Removal procedures in most cases involve removing the shield attachments and shield.

INSTALLATION
Installation is the reverse procedure, using new parts.

I had to fix up an exhaust leak a while ago when I got the vehicle (the last owner was old and could no longer get a license due to health problems) and other minor issues like rust holes at the fenders. It is probably the catalytic converter or the heat shield. Will update later when possible.

Sounds like a plan.

Roy

Here you go:

Sorry. That is an internal engine noise. You need to have that checked as soon as possible.

Ugh! Guess I will probably need to replace a connecting rod bearings, if not swap the engine if it is too bad. I will get it checked out. Most likely should just swap it.

That is correct. Engine work is a lot more expensive than swapping it out.

Roy

So, the oil got bad after only five hundred miles since the last oil change, and I would like to have your opinion on an engine swap. If I was to put another V6 in, hopefully I should not need another transmission or ECU, hopefully I can find the same engine. Do you think swapping it myself will be able to get finished by the end of a day? I do not have a garage and would not want stuff laying around outside where I live. Or in your opinions should I take it to a quality mechanic. Overall putting in the same type of engine should cost how much, if you are okay with making an estimate.

Okay, if you got the same engine, it is not something that is easy. This is a huge job and will not be done for a couple of days.

You would need one day to remove the engine. Then time to change over the parts from your engine to the donor engine. Then install the other engine.

You will not need a transmission or the engine control module. That all stays with the car.

I would suggest finding a place to do the work but even a shop will take days to do the work. If you could rent a garage to do this, it would take the pressure off you for the procedure.

You would also need a huge amount of tools for this as well including air power which will require a air compressor and lines.

Roy

Ugh, might need to just give the car up since I always have a tight schedule when it comes to work and stuff. This was my first car and really wish I could keep it, I just love it. Last time I took it to a mechanic they said the engine was in good shape, guess that was false as the rattle was a little noticeable at the time. I will park the car in my driveway and cover it up until I am able to get time off of work and a garage available. Thanks for the help.

Okay, sorry for the bad news.

Roy

Hey, it is fine. I can get another car, the monthly payment for my T-bird is pretty low so I will not have any issue keeping it around.

Good deal.

Roy

It is not coming from the engine block or lower, the cylinder head is the source for sure. I will take a look at the rockers and valve springs.

Okay, let me know.

The noise was coming from the valvetrain right under the fill oil cap. I got some seafoam spray and that quieted it down.

Okay, but it will come back. That indicates to me you have an oil supply issue.

Roy

I decided to swap the engine due to low compression and general past mistreatment. Once I got the oil pan off to inspect I noticed that the rod bearings were very thin and on the verge to causing rod knock.

Good find.

Hopefully, the replacement engine is good.

Roy

Seems to be working great. Throttle and IAC needs cleaning but other then that it is perfect.