1999 Ford Mustang

KEITHWC

MEMBER
1999 FORD MUSTANG
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
101,000 MILES

The car makes a clicking noise when accelerating (along the lines of a playing card hitting a bike wheel's spokes, to make the best comparison), although it only does it sometimes (like after a certain amount of time driving). I thought it may have had something to do with the engine coolant since, when first turning the ignition, it starts on the low end of the meter and creeps its way to the midpoint after a few minutes, but I couldn't see any issues with the coolant reservoir.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

Hi keithwc. Welcome to the forum. The coolant gauge is for temperature, not level. It is doing what is is supposed to do and has always done as the engine warms up.

The noise you're describing is typical of an exhaust leak before the catalytic converter. The leak can change as the engine warms up and parts expand and change shape. You might be able to replicate the noise by having a helper hold the brakes applied while slowly increasing engine speed while the transmission is in drive. Do this when the noise usually occurs, meaning when the engine is at the same temperature that the noise occurs most frequently.

Caradiodoc