97 Taurus rattle noise on acceleration

I have a 1997 Taurus GL, with a 3.0 engine, 90K mile
The car has started making rattle noises, barely noticeable around 40K miles. Now It is very audible noice. This noise (deep rattle) is only on acceleration, and gets worse the harder I push the pedal. This noise is audible between 20 - 60 mph. I tested drive a 2000 Taurus 3.0 with 40K mile, and heard the simliar noice (but barely noticeable).

Please help. Thanks.

I have a 97 Sable with a 3.0 and I have a "tinny" rattle at about 2000 rpms. I think it's the heatshield on the catalytic converter. When I tap on it hard with my hand it's barely noticeable but I think when the metal heats up and expands it gets louder.

Your are right, the "tinny" rattle noise starts around 2K RPMs, and get lauder when the car is getting hotter. What do you mean "tap on it hard", can you give me details? What do you suggest to fix it? Thanks.

I crawled under the car and hit the heat shield with the side of my fist to see if it was loose or subject to rattle due to motor vibrations. I had to hit it hard for it to make a noise. I haven't done anything to fix it, it doesn't bother me that much, yet. I will most likely tack weld the shield to stop the rattle. You should also look at the entire exhaust system for loose clamps, hangers, or any other item that may have worked loose or broken. We're concentrating on the exhaust system but where does the rattle come from? That can point you in the right direction.

I had the exact same rattling problem here on a 95 taurus se; after finding this resolution on the web, i had the dealer/service shop tighten the heatshield cover and all is well.

I'm glad you were able to fix the problem.