Engine noise

[gimp19]

My car is making a fast ticking noise that is always noticable in reverse and is louder and audible in any gear once the engine is up to temp. It sounds like its coming from the oilpan area, changed the oil yesterday and didn't see any metal shavings. Between that and the waterpump dying I've about made up my mind on getting a differant car.

[BrdWAtti2d]

Are you sure the noise isn't coming from the bad water pump?

[gimp19]

Ya its a knock/rattle kind of sound it was there before the waterpump died.

[BrdWAtti2d]

Two things come to mind when you say "rattle". Loose heat shield or the cats going bad. Get under the car and smack the cat lightly with the side of your fist or a rubber mallet. If it rattles the ceramics have come lose inside.

[gimp19]

I'll try that tomm. the the wierd thing is it always does it in reverse, and in drive when its hot. To me it sounds like its coming from the crankshaft.

[BrdWAtti2d]

I'd just get under there and start shaking stuff around and see if anything is loose. If something it hitting the driveshaft it should be easy to spot.

[Trans Am]

is the noise still there after replacing the water pump?

[gimp19]

The waterpumps going in tomm. the motor seemed better after a change w/10w40. Didn't run it much though cause of the water leak. Any tips on the install? Wanna make sure I do it right the first time.

[sneitzel]

Take your time.
You can do the WP without removing the radiator but I personally have found it to be worth the extra labor and time to drain and pull the radiator. The extra working room is worth it IMHO.
Remove the cooling fans, drain the radiator, drain the engine block, remove the intake elbow, remove the top radiator support, remove the hoses, remove the radiator (be careful of the low coolant sensor or you will end up replacing that too...) remove the belt, remove the AIR pump bolts and push it aside, unplug the temp sensor, remove the 6 bolts for the water pump, pull the pump, clean the gasket surface, silicone on both sides of the new gasket, install new pump, reinstall everything else, refill coolant, check for leaks, run car up to temperature and remember to "burp" the system to get all the air out.

Personally, I would replace all the clamps with new ones as well as the thermostat, temp. sensor and any hose that even looked questionable.

What did I miss guys?

[BrdWAtti2d]

What did I miss guys?

Easier if you get the Coil/ICM assembly out of the way and a good time to do the ICM stand-off mod, and if memory serves me the alternator too, seems like one of those brackets was in the way, but it's been a while since I've done it.

I've done it with radiator in and out. Personally I think it's easier just leaving the radiator in and taking the fans out. It's a pita getting the radiator over the A/C lines. It is a little harder on the knuckles and you have to be carefull not to damage the radiator. So it's kind of 6 to one, half dozen to the other.

[sneitzel]

Easier if you get the Coil/ICM assembly out of the way...if memory serves me the alternator too, seems like one of those brackets was in the way...

I did mine without touching the coil but that is up to you. The PS pulley is kind of in the way but with an extension and possibly a universal you can get to the bolts without removing that. Come to think of it, I think I did remove the belt tensioner but that was easy, 2 bolts.

[gimp19]

I removed the rad. support, coil, and air pump, used my 1/4" ratchet and extension for the one between the p.s pulley. Started putting coolant in and it leaked right out, my brother went undeneath and says it looks like its coming from a bolt in the engine block? Didn't have time to jack it up had to go to work, I'll have to investigate this weekend.

[Al 96 Ram Air T/A]

I believe two (maybe one?) bolt needs RTV as it penetrates the water jacket.

Don't remember which one, but the one that is leaking...