LearjetMinako
New Member
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2007
- Messages
- 2,250
- Reaction score
- 12
- Points
- 0
- Age
- 38
- Location
- Moore, OK
- Vehicle Year
- 1996
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Size
- 2.3L 140ci
- Transmission
- Manual
This has been a long awaited battle end for me. And the solution was really a simple thing. To start with, my 96' 2.3l has always had this engine rattle noise at high speeds under heavy loads (or climbing grades). Always thought it to be the cat. heat sheild. Checked it out to find the welds were cracks through. I strapped 6 hose clamps around it. Didn't solve the problem. I tried running Shell's V-power fuel for 2 full gas tanks. No improvement and also lead me to believe it is not engine ping (or knock to some). I ran SeaFoam through a vaccum line to clear any carbon. Only got a small cloud of white smoke. So I did it a second time, still just a small white cloud. Took for a test drive, still rattling. So lastly I decided to install new spark plugs. I choose to go back Motorcraft's and picked up there Plat's with fine wire tip. Installed all 8 of them and took it for a test drive. The rattle was gone. I push the engine to its very limit of when that rattle would occur. Not a sound. I very happy now. Never hear a engine ping like a rattle before. So for now on, I'm only putting in the Motorcraft Plat Fine Wire spark plugs in my engine.