rattling noise upon acceleration

[Kelhasfun]

I got a 2000 Windstar with 103K miles on it and it runs ok, no C.E.L. on. I have noticed a noise when I accelerate especially loud uphill. It's a rattling sound and it sounds like the rocker arms are clicking, making a dieseling sound. What do I need to check? Can anybody direct me? Trying to avoid the

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by Kelhasfun

I got a 2000 Windstar with 103K miles on it and it runs ok, no C.E.L. on. I have noticed a noise when I accelerate especially loud uphill. It's a rattling sound and it sounds like the rocker arms are clicking, making a dieseling sound. What do I need to check? Can anybody direct me? Trying to avoid the

Hello

It sounds like you may have some pinging going on. Basicly, the fuel mixture is explouding too soon and trying to push the piston down as it's coming up. This may be caused by carbon build up which decreses the conbustion chamber and thus increases the compression. Have you tried a higher octaine gas? You van should run on 87 octaine. If higher octaine reduces the noise then I would think my thoughts may be correct.

Regards

Dan

[wiswind]

Check out the very first "sticky" posting at the top of the page for information on a TSB for your vehicle.

Another thing to check would be the heat shields on the catalytic converters, FORD issued a TSB that had dealers put straps on them.
I posted a picture or so in my photos that show mine.
I looked at the drawings in the TSB, and went to the store......into the plumbing department (the automotive department will not have anywhere near the size you would need) and bought 2 oversize 'hose' clamps for each converter.
Sadly, in my case it was broken internals on one of my catalytic converters that was making the rattling noise.....heat shields were just fine.

Another rattle could be the "flex" pipe that connects to the back of the "Y" pipe and in front of the muffler.

If, indeed the rattling is caused by 'pinging' of the engine, it is likely caused by the vaccum leak that is caused by the 'isolator' bolts for the upper intake manifold.....as mentioned in the TSB in the sticky.
It could also be from carbon build up inside the cylinders from excessive oil (also mentioned in the TSB), but I would go the vaccum leak angle FIRST.
The FORD solution to the carbon build up is a reprogram of the computer to retard the timing, and I would only do that IF the problem was not solved by doing the TSB.
YES, it is possible to have a vaccum leak and not have a CEL, yet.

[Kelhasfun]

Ok, thank you for the advice wis you're awesome, I need to know details on how exactly to check for the vaccuum leak due to the tsb and if TSB 03-16-1 applies to us? I do not have cel on yet, but it's dieseling. I'm getting 12/mpg but it's not running bad unless going uphill-it's scaring me and we need to get on it right away, winter's a coming thanx guys for taking the time to help!

[wiswind]

Check out this link.....I think it is in the post....but if not....it should help answer any questions that you may have.
It has great pictures and step by step instrutions on what to look for.

http://leckemby.net/windstar/windstar01.html

[Windywoes]

If I remember correctly, there were some issues on '99's and '00's involving a loose plate in the intake plenum. I am experiencing this also and the noise seems to be coming from the plenum area.