[dGrabber]

So, was driving and my car kept overheating and such a horrible sound was produced somewhere under the hood. Had a loud rattle/clapping sound every time I stepped on the throttle. I do have a misfire, it's been happening ever since the misfire began. But, it's gotten worse and I've finally deemed it as unbearable and undriveable.

So, would a misfire really cause all of that? What could it be?

Also, since it'll be down, I want to work on it performance wise. What are some good suggestions for suspension and the engine?

I'm thinking of a Windstar upper intake, but what are some good struts, springs, and control arms?

Any and all help is appreciated!

[mcqueen]

Rattling makes me think detonation. Detonation is most often caused by having your timing too advanced for the octane of fuel that you're running. Is your car tuned?

As for the misfire, that is directly related to air, fuel, or spark. Is your MAF working properly (possibly dirty?)? Spark plugs all gapped properly? Coil pack firing all cylinders? Spark plug wires all conducting? Fuel injectors clean and spraying properly? When was the fuel filter last changed?

[dGrabber]

Originally Posted by mcqueen Rattling makes me think detonation. Detonation is most often caused by having your timing too advanced for the octane of fuel that you're running. Is your car tuned? As for the misfire, that is directly related to air, fuel, or spark. Is your MAF working properly (possibly dirty?)? Spark plugs all gapped properly? Coil pack firing all cylinders? Spark plug wires all conducting? Fuel injectors clean and spraying properly? When was the fuel filter last changed?

Detonation is correct! Something in my mind thought it had something to do with the timing. I'm gonna tear it down and get to work on it. I have plugs to change em, the intake seems clean and fine. I am not tuned and will make sure of this once I get to it.

BTW, I haven't had it long, but I'm sure the fuel filter hasn't been changed.

[mcqueen]

You can fill up with some 91 or 93 octane fuel and see if the detonation goes away. If so, your timing is either too advanced for whatever you were running or you might have gotten some bad gas. And a fuel filter is an easy change. $8 part, $10 tool. I've got a write-up for it here: How To Change Your 94-04 Mustang Fuel Filter

[dGrabber]

Originally Posted by mcqueen You can fill up with some 91 or 93 octane fuel and see if the detonation goes away. If so, your timing is either too advanced for whatever you were running or you might have gotten some bad gas. And a fuel filter is an easy change. $8 part, $10 tool. I've got a write-up for it here: How To Change Your 94-04 Mustang Fuel Filter

Awesome! I'll give it a shot!

[Green_6er]

your fuel filter most likely hasn't been changed. Whenever i changed mine it still had the stock filter at around 133k.

[dGrabber]

Spark Plugs changed so far.
Will get a new fuel filter ASAP.

[dGrabber]

Fuel filter changed, Oil changed...

The issue persists. About the time the radiator fan kicks on, this clapping noise goes on somewhere in the engine which causes the car to overheat. Radiator components aren't the issue. I think my engine is bad or something.

Anyone can shed any light?

[Jetflo]

Originally Posted by dGrabber Fuel filter changed, Oil changed... The issue persists. About the time the radiator fan kicks on, this clapping noise goes on somewhere in the engine which causes the car to overheat. Radiator components aren't the issue. I think my engine is bad or something. Anyone can shed any light?

The radiator fan kicks on based on engine coolant temperature. If it overheats soon after, the overheating could be a stuck thermostat.

The clapping noise may be a separate issue. I'm a bit concerned you are looking at a head gasket. Can you confirm the following:

1. No water in the oil. Oil with water looks like foamy milk. You'd notice if this condition were present while doing an oil change.

2. No air in the coolant. With the radiator cap removed and the engine running (do this while engine is still cold), check to see if there is a breeze blowing out of the filler neck.

3. No oil in the coolant. If there is oil in the coolant you'll see a black oily "tub ring" in the overflow bottle just above the surface.

Please rule out the head gasket before proceeding. Coolant damages engine bearings quickly. The oil change was a good move. Confirming the head gaskets are good will allow you to rule this serious problem out.

I think your clanking sound could be valve related. Please take a section of tubing and hold one end to your ear like a stethoscope. Then hold the open end over the valve covers and see if you can pin point the source. Next, do the same thing along the oil pan.

Where is the sound the loudest using the stethoscope?

Thanks!

[dGrabber]

Originally Posted by Jetflo The radiator fan kicks on based on engine coolant temperature. If it overheats soon after, the overheating could be a stuck thermostat. The clapping noise may be a separate issue. I'm a bit concerned you are looking at a head gasket. Can you confirm the following: 1. No water in the oil. Oil with water looks like foamy milk. You'd notice if this condition were present while doing an oil change. 2. No air in the coolant. With the radiator cap removed and the engine running (do this while engine is still cold), check to see if there is a breeze blowing out of the filler neck. 3. No oil in the coolant. If there is oil in the coolant you'll see a black oily "tub ring" in the overflow bottle just above the surface. Please rule out the head gasket before proceeding. Coolant damages engine bearings quickly. The oil change was a good move. Confirming the head gaskets are good will allow you to rule this serious problem out. I think your clanking sound could be valve related. Please take a section of tubing and hold one end to your ear like a stethoscope. Then hold the open end over the valve covers and see if you can pin point the source. Next, do the same thing along the oil pan. Where is the sound the loudest using the stethoscope? Thanks!

1, 2, and 3 have been ruled out.

[Jetflo]

Originally Posted by dGrabber 1, 2, and 3 have been ruled out.

I saw your video and it seems loudest near the camshaft position sensor (a bit hard to tell). However, when mine went bad it caused a milder version of the problem you are seeing.

There are a lot of threads on "synchronizer". Here's an example:

Need to replace cam synchro. How much of a hurry should I be in?

[dGrabber]

I got it to the fuel light coming on then got like 4 gallons of 91 octane fuel. So, I left it running in my garage, went in the house, came back out, and it was no longer running. Tried starting it a few times, it turns over, it pings, and it won't stay running for more than 2 seconds. So...???

But, it is throwing a code now.
P0171 System too lean.