hey guys, i'm heading up to vermont for the weekend, but all the sudden the ford explorer (yes i realize, not acura cl) that i'm taking is making an exhaust noise. sounds like its got an exhaust system, except with a rattle between 2000 and 3000 rpm. it sounds less deep and no rattling higher up.

1) its the cat converter, right?

2) it should be fine to vermont and back aside from a little annoying, right??

thanks in advance guys (sorry for the unrelated thread, i'm sure its something that applies to our cars too...)

 

It could be just a hole somewhere in your exhaust pipe. I've had LOTS of experience with holes.

 

It could be the heat shield between your exhaust pipe and the car. A not could've came loose or rusted out.

 

If its your cat, u will know for sure when u get worse gas mileage then usual

 

hehe...me too!

 

It's fine, just enjoy the noise, maybe you'll get some ricers that wanna race!!!

 

ok heres the deal. i too hav an explorer. if u have the sohc motor theres a service recall on the timing chain tensioner and chain guide. the bad news is theres 3 yes three timing chains. if this noise is the chain which sounds alot like a cat rattle from inside the car and even outside . it will come off or bust a hole in your head. mine just started to rattle this week. it only takes ford 2 hours to fix. so i would make sure its not this before u go on this trip. first u open your oil cap. and listen there for the same noise but it will be louder. the recall is for the 97-01 explorer w/ 4.0l sohc motors.

 

if u have any questions pm me. and ill try to help u out.

 

oh yea i only have 60k miles on my 98