1997 Ford Explorer Cant Figure It Out

BGATANIS1231

MEMBER
1997 FORD EXPLORER
6 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
216,000 MILES

I have a 97 Ford Explorer with high mileage. This morning I woke up and jumped in my truck like every other morning, only this morning I did not let it warm up as much as normal. As I was driving along, I gave it a little gas and a loud almost whistling noise would come from the engine. It would only happen when I gave it gas though. It sounded like some sort of air leak. Every time I would pass another vehicle to the right of me, I would here almost a rattling sound bouncing of the other vehicle. (Meaning the sound was from me). So now my truck rattles and has air leak only when I give it gas. I am definately no expert on mechanics so I have no idea what it means. Any help at all would be appreciated.
Brian

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Brian:

I need you to do something so I know where to start. Something tells me the catylatic converter may have come loose internally. As a result, you heat it rattle and if it is blocking the exhaust, it could make a whisteling sound.

Take a rubber mallot and craw under the vehicle and tap on the exhaust system. See if you can tell where the ratteling is coming from. Pay special attention to heat shields, the cat, and the muffler.

Let me know what you find.
Joe