Heat sheild rattle?

[Airman Jack]

Hey everyone, I'm back in the real world once again after being gone for most of the summer! Unfortunately, now when I load up the engine and transmission a bit I get a hideous sounding metallic rattle that sounds like it's coming from underneath the drivers seat. Once the car warms up it isn't as loud, and at low throttle settings there is no rattle, it's only when I downshift (to less than 2000rpm) and then try to accelerate from there. Think it's just a loose heat shield?

 

[Rock]

I dunno, I'd say pop the hood and look around, tug/test the snugness of plastic parts,etc.... BTW don't do this with the engine hot, unless you want a few days off of work..
(naughty)

 

[Airman Jack]

I would be incredibly surprised if that rattle was coming from the engine compartment...

 

[Airman Jack]

Bump... anyone? bueler?

 

[Da 6]

I had an autotentioner pully replaced at 42xx miles on odo. Try turning on the A/C and the fan to setting 2. when the fan and compressor kicks on if the rattleing gets louder or more constant..."BINGO" Replace Ford Pully!

 

[Airman Jack]

no it's definitely not that... only happens when the engine revs to a point where it hits a certain vibration range... going to the dealership tomorrow to try and get it sorted out

 

[Airman Jack]

So, aparently it's the muffler!! there was a loose heat shield, but it wasn't the culprit of the rattle. There's someting in the muffler (loose metal or something) that is making the hideous rattle. But, the dealer just gave me back the keys and said "We'll have a new muffler for you in a week or so".
Damn I love warranties!
Now, as to how the muffler got nuked.... that's another story, for which I will post pictures of a mysteriously 3-looking car... going really fast... NOT in a straight line!