Low RPM Noise, Noise when jabbing throttle Options

[Milds3vn]

I have a 97 ST with about 91k miles on it and noticed a few days ago a weird noise. When the car is in first or even in neutral, and the RPMs are at idle, I jab the throttle a bit & I hear a weird clicking or rattle type noise from the engine bay. I only hear it quickly when i first jab the throttle. It happens very quickly (sometimes not at all depending how the throttle is jabbed) and isn't easily noticed. When the gas is constantly applied the engine is smooth and sounds fine. I do run the car to the redline through the gears once and a while, I don't know if that is bad for an engine with the miles i have on it. Could it be that i need to adjust or get a new timing belt? How bad is it to push my little 7A-FE engine to the redline in stock form? Any ideas or opinions would be appreciated.

-Chris

[west_minist]

Have you perform any mods on your car like a new filter?

It sound like you are having pinging or knocking sounds.

It could be the timing may be too advance or your fuel system is having problem keep up fuel under hard acceleration or quick throttle movements.


Check you fuel filter and pump.

One way to know is to buy a fuel pressure gauge and check your fuel pressure what sudden throttles occurs

[Milds3vn]

This could be true but does anyone know how I will know when to replace the timing belt and what signs i should look out for? Also, is it safe to push my 7AFE engine to the redline through the gears when ripping around town when I get that racing impulse?

[94blackst]

one other thing to do is look for easy things, like loose bolts on the heat shield on the header, those are notorious for coming loose and rattling. Just look around for the easy stuff when you do your maintenance items.

[west_minist]

It is alright to rev to the redline.

But note here: if you service your vehicle often, depending on how many miles you do and also keep tabs on oil levels every 2 -3 days, you will be safe.

if you are over 100K miles, I think it is time you get the hold car service for that miles.

[bonzaisushi]

QUOTE (Milds3vn @ Feb 11, 2003 - 9:18 PM)

I have a 97 ST with about 91k miles on it and noticed a few days ago a weird noise. When the car is in first or even in neutral, and the RPMs are at idle, I jab the throttle a bit & I hear a weird clicking or rattle type noise from the engine bay. I only hear it quickly when i first jab the throttle. It happens very quickly (sometimes not at all depending how the throttle is jabbed) and isn't easily noticed. When the gas is constantly applied the engine is smooth and sounds fine. I do run the car to the redline through the gears once and a while, I don't know if that is bad for an engine with the miles i have on it. Could it be that i need to adjust or get a new timing belt? How bad is it to push my little 7A-FE engine to the redline in stock form? Any ideas or opinions would be appreciated. -Chris

i just had this problem in december. if its what i think it is it could be the timing belt slapping the cover, thats what my problem was go get it tightened or get a new belt put on, the second thing i thought it was was the water pump, but that wasnt the problem. but i was havn the exact problem as u were, hope i helped

[BlackBeauty]

I had one in my paseo, but the other way around. The rattle starts when I release the throttle.
It turned out that the oil is below LOW mark, although the oil warning light did not lit up.
So, checking your oil level might be worth a time.