Engine Clank Sound

[Anonymous]

My engine makes this sound when i push on the gas peddle. Usually going up a hill...that doesnt have to be very steep...just when I want to get it going faster. The sound I hear is kind of a clanky, rattling sound...like something hitting against something. I feel if i push any harder, the engine will blow up. : I know I didnt give a lot of info..but do you guys have any idea what it could be?

Thanks

 

[addo]

That'd be your clankshaft.

Actually, it sounds like detonation, if it's happening under load.

 

[Asa]

try pulling the valve cover off and re-torquing the bolts as well, might be a push-rod hitting a loose rocker
good luck
evan

 

[Anonymous]

It could be pinging . . . check your ignition timing.

 

[Anonymous]

I would guess pinging also. Try putting in premium gas at your next fillup and see if it fixes the problem. My car used to ping but after getting the timing set it went away.

Mike

 

[Anonymous]

it might just be detonation problems...or else it can be as easy as the manifold to exhaust pipe connection is clanking...happened to me once...if you have increased your plug gap size, it will most likey be that because i have increased my gaps alittle too far and have heard this pinging noise today...im planning on regapping it smaller and im 100% my clinking will be gone...other from that im clued out for other ways that it makes a clinging going up hill...
gary

 

[Anonymous]

could it be the U-joints? Mine made noise around turns at first...

 

[Anonymous]

How would I check the timing and adjust it? And I'm car illiterate...but I haven't increased my "gap plug size" because i wouldn't know how. But how would i check that? And what are U-Joints?

Thanks for all your help guys...I really appreciate it.

 

[61Futura]

You need a timing light and have to be shown how to time an engine the first time. If you have points in your distributer, they change your timing as they wear out. I don't remember if it usually advances or retards the timing. Yours sounds like too much advance if it is a timing issue.

U joints is short for universal joints which are on both ends of your drive shaft that provide swivel joints that have roller bearings that wear out and make noise & vibration when they do.

 

[Falcon62]

So hard to diagnose engine noises via the web, your clank might be my knock. Is the noise deep and heavy sounding, like a hammer rapping on a heavy piece of steel? Or is it more like a light tinny sound, similar to a tapping a screwdriver against a tin coffee can?

If the noise is deep and heavy sounding, you could be facing imminent major engine damage, or it could be an exhaust leak. If it's light and tinny, it could be lots of things, but may be the preignition - pinging - many others have indicated.

A couple weeks ago, a classmate of mine described an engine noise in his Dodge truck as only on startup, when he accelerates, and when climbing a hill. The difference was I could walk to the parking lot and listen to it. He had a rod knocking, badly, and despite my recommendation to park it, he kept driving it. The engine froze up 3 or 4 days later.

If you're engine illiterate, take your car to a trusted mechanic and have him/her check it out for you. Much better insurance than trying to diagnose a noise over the internet. The noise is probably just preignition, but if it isn't, you won't know until it's too late.