Car Problems With a Rattling Sound When Accelerating
It seems that car problems are just a fact of life. No matter how meticulously an owner is about auto maintenance, there are problems that just can't be avoided. Regular oil changes, tire rotation and replacement, tune-ups and the like are necessary for protecting the investment we all put into our vehicles. Some of the more annoying problems result from the squeaks, rattles and other noises that can develop over time.
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Find the Source of the Problem
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When your vehicle begins making sounds, the first step would be to try to find out source of the noise. If you are able to find out where the noise is coming from and are able to describe the sound accurately, it is can save money when you take the car in for repairs. Much of the cost of repairs is in labor, and if the mechanic has to determine the origin of the noise, the labor costs incease.
Pinging Noises
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Pinging noises (or knocks) sound like ball-bearings bouncing around against metal. Sometimes this noise will be heard upon acceleration, particularly when taking off from a dead stop or when climbing a hill. Other times the noise will be continuous while driving or even when the car is idling. Sometimes this problem can be attributed to the use of gasoline that is graded too low for maximum engine performance. For instance, if your vehicle manual calls for 89 octane gasoline and you have been using 87 octane, you may experience pinging. This can easily be corrected by using a higher grade of gasoline and/or using an octane-boosting product. Other problems that can cause a pinging sound are carbon that has deposited inside the cylinder, incorrect ignition timing or using the wrong spark plugs.
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Rattling and Smoke
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Sometimes rattling noises will be accompanied by the appearance of smoke from the tailpipe and occasionally from under the hood. Sometimes black smoke coming from the tailpipe, along with engine running rough or engine misfires, can be the result of burning oil. Another cause could be a leaky fuel injector or a dirty air filter. If your vehicle has a carburetor, it could be that the choke is stuck in the closed position. It could also be that the PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve is not working as it should or piston rings are worn out.
Rattling (Ticking Noises)
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When starting a cold engine, note if a noise like a ticking or a low-grade rattle can be heard. The noise may become louder or faster as the engine speeds up. This can be caused by sludge in the engine or because the valves are in need of adjustment.
Possible Remedies
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For pinging noises, wait until the fuel level is down to one-half to one-eighth of a tank and fill it with premium gas.
For rattling and smoke, check for oil leaks, replace air filter, check fuel injector, PCV system and piston rings, and replace if needed. On vehicles with carburetors, check the choke to ensure that it is operating properly.
For ticking noises, flush the engine, change the oil and oil filter, check valves or replace push rods if needed.
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