Hello All,

Recently I've noticed some very harsh engine noise during acceleration. Most often I think I hear it in 1st or 2nd when I step on moderately hard. Its like a new noise on top of the "normal" engine noise. Like a rattle (kind of like a baseball card in the spokes of your bicycle). To me it sounds like valve noise, but maybe its knocking.

Its a 2004, XLS AWD. About 74000km on it. Still has the original factory plugs (the manual says they Iridium, so they shouldn't need changing yet).

I tried filling up with premium and the noise went away. Also, I think I'm getting a lot better mileage on this tank of gas (like 15% better).

Any ideas?

Thanks

I had a similar noise. Turned out to be the AC clutch. There was no noise if my A/C was on so this is easy to check. Mine also made a bell sound or metal to metal sound.

It is the Lash Asjusters, Lifters. If it has sound when the engine temp is normall than maybe an oil change can help on this problem, or other oil. or change the lifters.
It is the 2.4Mivec engine ?

Yeah 2.4Mivec.

The sound comes and goes. I thought it was gone with the premium gas, but its back again. Fuel economy was more related to the type of driving I did on that tank than to the type of fuel I used.

I'm right in between oil changes right now (about another 3000km before I'm due)...

Are you saying the lifters need adjustment? Is this a DIY type job (I'm pretty handy and don't mind taking stuff apart).

Hello.

I´ve had the same problem. For me the noise was caused by a ground cable vibrating against the torpedo wall. It was between the two fastening points for the intercooler. I hope it helps / The Wizzard