Engine Probs....

[5Lgreenback]

Having some probs with the engine in my 1.6L 2000 Protege. Unfortunately its a noise issue which can be difficult to diagnose over the internet obviously so hopefully somebody has had a similar issue.

It makes a high frequency rattling sound, kind of like an electric scribe (for engraving on metal). It used to only do it above 4000rpms, but now it doesnt it constantly, it seems to do it most when I let off the throttle, so I guess when theres little load on the engine. But it will still do it while cruising along normally or accelerating now as well. Its can be reasonably loud and embarrassing haha. It might be worth mentioning that it doesnt seem to have any effect on how the the engine feels as in it doesnt seem to effect power that I can notice anyways.

As well the front suspension is clunking on bumps, I've noticed the steering feeling slightly more sloppy as well....sound like CV joints?


Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Scorch03]

Wheres the noise coming from? I had a similar noise coming from under the drivers seat, it was a tin shield by the exhaust that had rusted through and was vibrating. Hopefully yours is something just as simple.

 

[aznly617]

Having some probs with the engine in my 1.6L 2000 Protege. Unfortunately its a noise issue which can be difficult to diagnose over the internet obviously so hopefully somebody has had a similar issue.

It makes a high frequency rattling sound, kind of like an electric scribe (for engraving on metal). It used to only do it above 4000rpms, but now it doesnt it constantly, it seems to do it most when I let off the throttle, so I guess when theres little load on the engine. But it will still do it while cruising along normally or accelerating now as well. Its can be reasonably loud and embarrassing haha. It might be worth mentioning that it doesnt seem to have any effect on how the the engine feels as in it doesnt seem to effect power that I can notice anyways.

As well the front suspension is clunking on bumps, I've noticed the steering feeling slightly more sloppy as well....sound like CV joints?


Any help would be appreciated.

Are you sure it's coming from the engine? Have you recently installed a new radio or head unit or satellite radio? I had a problem with my last car, where I was hearing some whirling/buzzing sound. It was also changing volume and pitch when I either accelerated or decelerated. It turned out to be my new XM radio not being properly grounded.

 

[TWISFM]

Any chance you can get a video of the noise?

 

[5Lgreenback]

Haven't installed anything lately... Pretty sure its comming from the engine its hard to track down because the noise isn't constant, and rarely makes the noise at idle. When I rev it up to track it down it only makes the sound very breifly at varying rpms. Like I mentioned it used to only do it around 4000rpms when the throttle is released to let the rpms drop. Now it seems to come as it pleases.

If it comes down to it I can try and do a video but I doubt it will pick up very clearly, especially from inside the car.

I was worried it was something in the valvetrain, but it probably would have blown by now if that was the case and would likely affect power too.

I'll check the exhaust sheild, thanks for the suggestion. I think it is comming from the engine though.