Engien Rattle

[Hell0b0b]

I have a 1998 Zx2 5 speed with 100k miles and it was running fine, but recently when accelerating i hear a rattling noise coming from the engien. I was just wondering if there is something i could do to fix it and if i should be worried?

[zx2srdotnet]

check for any obviouse lose items, does the car vibrate during the rattle?

does it sound to be coming from the left or right in particular?

[Hell0b0b]

The rattle seems to be coming from right in the middle but it doesnt start to rattle until i get over 3500 rpms. When I shift the rpms drop it goes away until I get back up to 3500.

[zx2srdotnet]

it sounds like it might be a loose cover or shield. make sure EVERYTHING is tightened down.

[Davescort97]

[quote=Hell0b0b]I have a 1998 Zx2 5 speed with 100k miles and it was running fine, but recently when accelerating i hear a rattling noise coming from the engien. I was just wondering if there is something i could do to fix it and if i should be worried?[/QUOTE

Don't worry about it. Most Escorts rattle and make all kinds of vibrations. You might try a good oil like Castrol GTX 10-30. Ford says that Escorts above 100k should have the motor mounts neutralized to keep vibration down. You loosen all the mounts. Put a floor jack under the pan and jack the engine up. Shake the motor real hard and tighten up the mounts to 70ft./lbs. Let the motor back down. After the engine has a few miles on it the mounts tend to sag causing vibration that gets worse as it speeds up. while you're under there grab onto the exhaust and give it a good shake. It could have a bad hanger causing the pipe to be overly loose.