Date:         Fri, 27 May 2005 08:20:09 -0400
Reply-To:     Rick Koller <rkoller@HELIX.NIH.GOV>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Rick Koller <rkoller@HELIX.NIH.GOV>
Subject:      Engine rattle, Rod City?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

Hi all,
        Well, my '91` autobox carat 106K miles has suddenly developed an ominous
rattle in the engine. I have just discovered this and am only now beginning
to diagnose. The sound is similar to what a dying water pump will make in
my experience and so I replaced that first. Unfortunately that did not
eliminate the noise. The rattle can be clearly heard at idle but not when
the engine is revved up. After revving the engine at idle and as it
decelerates the rattle reappears and its rate of rattle corresponds to the
engine revolutions. Slower engines revs equals slower rattle and it seems
much louder when listening under the engine. No flickering low pressure oil
lights or high oil pressure buzzers go off. Could this be a loose exhaust
valve seat? Engine idles smoothly so I doubt its that. Is this a trip to
Rod City? Any ideas or diagnosis hints are welcome. Thanks.

Rick Koller
'90 syncro Westie
'91 rattling carat