Engine knocking on the front of the engine that gets faster when accelerating?

1998 CHEVROLET CAMARO
102,000 MILES • 3.8L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
LOGANM1031
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
The noise stops after 3rd gear, my car jerks back and forth if I hit the gas too hard. There's a really bad smell coming from my engine, and my tensioner pulley is squeaking.
Sep 27, 2022 at 2:05 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,832 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
It sounds like you might have a rod bearing, cracked piston or a blown handbasket between two cylinders. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so I can hear the engine noise? That way I can tell for sure what's going on. You can upload it here with your response. We can start by doing a compression test. This guide can help you:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Please go over this guide and report back. As far as the "tensioner pulley is squeaking" please start another question, we handle one problem per thread.
Sep 27, 2022 at 11:09 AM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.