Running rough and engine louder

WILLOWWREN

MEMBER
2011 FORD ESCAPE
3.2L
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

I have the vehicle listed above Limited and at start-up, for the first second, it sounds loud and rough, then it quiets down. The car sounds louder than normal while driving and when on the highway during acceleration, it winds up really loud until it shifts into gear. It also doesn't have as much power as it used to. It doesn't stall, sputter or backfire, it just seems to run rough and louder than it used to. It has 130,000 miles on it. No check engine light on. Could it be an exhaust leak?

Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 8:43 AM

3 Replies

BMDOUBLE

MECHANIC
1,139 POSTS

It very well could be an exhaust leak, especially if it's louder on start-up. If you could record a short video clip and upload it we could make a better assessment. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can hear the noise? That would be great. You can upload it here with your response.

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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 8:55 AM

WILLOWWREN

MEMBER
8 POSTS

Here's an audio of what it sounds like from a cold start. It's just way rougher/louder than it used to be.

Video (Click to make bigger)

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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 6:46 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,055 POSTS

Hi,

I listened to the audio. I don't hear any exhaust leaks, but I may not be able to. You indicated there seems to be less power.

The idea that it runs rough, sounds different, and has a power loss leads me to think it could be related to a partially plugged catalytic converter.

Do me a favor, take a look through this link and let us know if anything seems to mirror what you experience.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

There could be other things as well. For example, you may have an engine vacuum leak. Let me know about the link I attached.

Take care,
Joe

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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 6:53 PM