Strange Engine Noise During Acceleration

I have a 2000 Ford Taurus 3.0 OHV that is making a strange engine noise
when I accelerate. The sound only happens when I aggressively
accelerate, at normal acceleration it doesn't seem to make noise. The
only times I notice it is when I get on to an highway or when I pass
someone on the highway. I first thought it might be a spark knock,
however the noise seems consistent not matter which type/brand of fuel
I use. Someone else thought it might be bad values. Its likes a knock,
tick, rattle type of sound (hard to explain). Spark plugs are fairly
new (10k on them), I put them in as soon as I purchased the car (used)
and its made the noise since I bought it.
Any ideas of what this noise could be? I don't want to have to take it
into a dealer.


Thanks

We'd need more specific information about the sound. Any other symptoms or just a noise? Does the tach show any glitches when this happens?

Its sounds like a metal produced sound, probably metal hitting metal. Its more of a rattle and once I lay off the gas a bit it stops. I didn't notice anything going on as far as the tack goes, but I will watch it today.

Maybe I can get a recording of the noise somehow with my MP3 player.

I seem to remember that there was a service bulletin where there was noise like that coming from either the wheels, or the wheel covers. I'll know more as soon as my new service manual gets here :)

I haven't heard that this has been a problem so much on the newer Fords, but back in the late '80's and early '90's it used to be pretty common for the catalytic converter heat shields to rust through at a few of the welds. The result was at certain engine speeds, the shield would rattle against the converter housing setting up a metallic rattle. The solution was usually to install very large hose clamps around the head shields to keep them from rattling.

You may want to inspect the heat shields. Also, with the engine in park, try slowly and linearly revving the engine to see if you can duplicate the noise. Be aware that around 3000 or 3500 rpms there is an electronic governor that will prevent you from revving past that engine speed with the transmission in park or neutral.

-Rod

I have a 98 Taurus wagon and had a similiar problem a week ago. The noise happened during acceleration and stopped when letting off the gas, it sounded like worn break pads on a rotor. It had nothing to do with the breaks and didn't happen with the motor off.

It ended up being the heat shield that had lost two front screws above the catalytic converter I think. Between the driver and passenger seat. I put two sheet metal screws with washers on to hold it up off of the tail pipe and all was ok.

Stefan