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Metal clanking noise and overheating with coolant?

Tiny
CDMAMA5979
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 2.2L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 230,000 MILES
A few months ago, I noticed a metal clanking sound from the engine for a few minutes after the car was turned off. Then just a couple days ago I smelled antifreeze, and the car didn't overheat but went the middle mark on the gauge until I turned the heat on. And loud metal clanking noise lasts longer after being shut off since it's been getting hot. I don't know what email this says to contact me on, but this is the one I have now.
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Sunday, January 1st, 2023 AT 1:15 PM

15 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,878 POSTS
Hi,

Is it possible for you to record the noise you heard? Also, is the engine coolant in the reservoir full?

I watched the video and there wasn't anything that I saw, but if I could hear it, that would likely help.

Additionally, could you let me know if it is running properly other than the noise or overheating?

I will watch for your reply.

Take care.

Joe
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Sunday, January 1st, 2023 AT 11:19 PM
Tiny
CDMAMA5979
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It has sound on my end I'll try to send it again.
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Monday, January 2nd, 2023 AT 4:08 AM
Tiny
CDMAMA5979
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I took a recording of part of the video and it uploaded but then said "file type not allowed". So, it's very slowly uploading the video again right now. Hope it works this time. And yes, the reservoir was full and no leaks, fans both coming on. Just the metal clanking, smell of antifreeze, and temperature gauge moving past the middle when it usually stays right at.
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Monday, January 2nd, 2023 AT 4:19 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

The only sound I hear is people moving around. Have you checked to make sure the serpentine belt is tight? Have you checked the water pump? Grab on the pulley and see if there is play in the pump shaft.

Let me know. Also, if a belt tensioner failed, it could have made noise and allowed the engine to overheat if the pump wasn't turning too fast.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Monday, January 2nd, 2023 AT 4:08 PM
Tiny
CDMAMA5979
  • MEMBER
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How about this one, it makes the noise at 4seconds, 14sec, 22sec, 36sec, 44sec, 53sec, 1:01 minutes, 1:04m, 1:18m, 1:32m, 1:45m, and 2:06m. It's not a belt or pulley.
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Monday, January 2nd, 2023 AT 5:25 PM
Tiny
CDMAMA5979
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Let me know if you can hear it on that one, please. Thanks!
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Monday, January 2nd, 2023 AT 5:25 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Is it the single clang I am hearing? Does this only happen when the engine is turned off and still warm? Does it do it when the engine is cold?

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023 AT 7:23 PM
Tiny
CDMAMA5979
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Yep, that's it! Only when turned off and hot. Never cold.
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Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023 AT 7:51 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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You are hearing the exhaust cooling off. When they are hot, they expand. When cooling, they slowly contract and make that kind of noise.

Based on what I'm hearing, that is what I believe you hear and there is no reason for concern.

Let me know your thoughts or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023 AT 8:43 PM
Tiny
CDMAMA5979
  • MEMBER
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Okay so, it's still making the metal clanking sound but it's not trying to overheat anymore. Weird. But I have another issue. Started hearing a thumping sound and noticed some wobbling. Kind of like when the rotors are bad and you hit the brakes, except it's doing it once I get up to about 20 and even more so when I accelerate. It felt like the front left tire. Checked Lugnuts and everything and discovered the tread is pretty much gone. I know that can cause the thumping from where it's worn down at and uneven. That's what I thought it was because the steering wheel wasn't wobbling or anything because then I would think it's the wheel bearing. But today it's getting worse and there is now a little wobble in the steering wheel. So, what do you think, just need new tires or is it the wheel bearing? It's not making any other noise, just the thumping and the wobble.
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Thursday, January 5th, 2023 AT 12:57 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

If the tire has a flat spot or a belt has shifted, it can cause a noise and wobble. I would have it checked closely for that type of damage. If you can take pics of the tire from all angles, I may be able to see if there is a problem.

In most cases, a wheel bearing will cause a humming noise that changes when you make turns.

Not being there to experience the issue and check things makes it difficult for me. However, anytime there is a steering concern, I take it seriously. You may want to lift one front wheel off the ground at a time and try to wiggle it to see if there is excessive play in a tie rod, ball joint, or anything suspension related.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Take care and let me know what you find.

Joe
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Thursday, January 5th, 2023 AT 2:29 PM
Tiny
CDMAMA5979
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Can a tear in the boot of the cv cause this?
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Sunday, January 8th, 2023 AT 9:08 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

The metallic clanking sound can be caused by a worn CV joint, but it wouldn't cause overheating.

Take a look through this link and let me know if anything mirrors what you are experiencing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-cv-axle-joint

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, January 8th, 2023 AT 9:05 PM
Tiny
CDMAMA5979
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Oh, I was talking about the thumping and wobbling in the tires, but it ended up being the tires. One of them had a pretty bad dip in it and the belt was broken.
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Monday, January 9th, 2023 AT 4:34 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Thanks for the update. I'm glad to know you got it taken care of. As far as the thumping, that was the first thing I thought of. The clanking had me confused. LOL

Regardless, feel free to come back at any time in the future. You are always welcome.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, January 9th, 2023 AT 2:07 PM

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