engine prknocking-banging

[Scott W]

engine knocking-banging help please

I was having some drivability problems, mild surging, some lack of power... but it wasn't too bad. today however, after getting off the highway, I satrted to have some real drivability issues - severe surging, and there is a loud banging or clanking noise coming from the engine when i hit the gas pedal. its way louder than any ticking from the valves - any ideas? crate engine time?

 

[sublime29]

The mild surging and lack of power could be a sensor.Like always the 1st thing you should always do with late model car.You pull out the cheap code scanner.If that checks out it might be internal.Check the timing and for vacuum leaks.Get a mechanics steathascope or a length of tube about size of rad hose. Then start to go all over engine with one side to you ear and probe the engine everywhere with the other side listening for your knock.

 

[BlackFox5.0]

Are you sure it's not detonation? Whats your timing set at? What octane gas do you run?

 

[Scott W]

No, I gaurantee its not detonation. this noise is pretty loud, the car sounds like a clunker.

I thought it was a sensor, or dirty injectors, ran all the codes, replaceed many sensors, new ignition.............But today, the noise started, and the problem increased 10 fold.

I'm going to drive it into ford tomorrow, and get an engine diagnostics. I thinks the mechanic will have some idea just listening to the engine.

I should include I have almost 300,000 km on the stock engine!

 

[Scott W]

well i found the problem. turns out my header gaskets are leaking, in fact 3 bolts have come loose and completely disappeared!

does anyone know if the header leaks could cause mild surging? (feels like your just starting to run out of gas)

 

[Scott W]

well ford just called again - one of my new msd wires has melted to the header, causing a misfire.