• Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech

3.8 engine tap?

  • Thread starter Thread starter EvanKon
  • Start date Start date May 12, 2007
E

EvanKon

New Member
Jul 27, 2006
1
0
0
May 12, 2007
#1
  • May 12, 2007
  • #1
Hi - looking for a little help
I have a '95 automatic with 104,000 miles on it.
The car runs great, no troubles except I went to get it appraised for possible trade-in when a non-Ford dealer told me I have a lower engine tap.
He showed me that if I take the engine to 2000 rpm in park and feather the gas pedal so the tach drifts from 1500-2000 rpm you can hear a rattle in the middle of the motor. (mostly when warmed up). This guy tells me its the crankshaft bearings and I could throw a rod thru and out the bottom of the engine at any time. He said its a common problem with 3.8 engines - the rods are hitting the oil pan. Is this true???
How do I get it checked with out a teardown? If it is the crankshaft bearings - how difficult and is it worth it??
The car has now been sitting for like 4 months because I don't want to blow the engine.

Any advice?? Any other ideas of what the rattle could be?
Thanks!!
 
2

232Mustang95

New Member
Dec 30, 2006
136
1
0
Oslo, Norway
May 12, 2007
#2
  • May 12, 2007
  • #2
Change to a thicker oil. It's the cheapest and easiest thing to try out first.

And no the rods ain't hitting the oilpan, if they do you will see it if you look under the car.
 

raz54

New Member
Dec 21, 2006
205
0
0
Eureka Ca.
May 12, 2007
#3
  • May 12, 2007
  • #3
LOL. Hitting the oil pan? never heard that one before and the only way they could is if the pan is bent up. I doubt if it's a rod knocking if it's making a tapping sound. Probably a slight exhaust leak. The 3.8 has been around a while and has a very good reputation.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

J
2004 Mustang 3.8L V6 vibrations above 65 MPH and differential leaks
  • joeybuddy96
  • Mar 16, 2026
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Replies
16
Views
550
SN95 V6 Mustang Tech Jul 14, 2026
joeybuddy96
J
C
Valve stem tip tap?
  • Coolen
  • Apr 6, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
20
Views
873
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Apr 14, 2025
Noobz347
J
'96 Cobra: A/C gets weak and engine misfires under load when warm
  • jruhnke
  • Oct 22, 2025
  • SVT Tech Forum
Replies
2
Views
312
SVT Tech Forum Nov 20, 2025
nickyb
Stripped Crank threads and cracked Crank Shaft Ring at end (what is it called?)
  • 69machmike
  • Nov 13, 2024
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
1
Views
329
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Nov 19, 2024
89ripper
A
2020 Ford Mustang GT P0036, P0138, P0141 02 sensor help
  • AmkoA
  • Jul 29, 2025
  • 2015 - 2023 (S550) Mustang -General/Talk
Replies
1
Views
338
2015 - 2023 (S550) Mustang -General/Talk Aug 5, 2025
skkrtis
S
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?