brynnanfox

I have a 2000 Ford Mustang 3.8 V6 with around 87,000 miles. When my car is at operating temperature and only when the engine is under load i have a loud tapping noise. It doesnt do it when idling or when in park or neutral. It also doesnt do it when engine is cold. The car has to be warmed up and in gear. If i push on my brakes in drive and just barely push and hold down the gas pedal it is very loud. The more gas i give it, the sound becomes more faint. If im driving 20+ mph i cant even hear it. Also, if the belt is removed or the tension of the belt is adjusted, the tapping goes away completely. Its really driving me crazy and any help would be greatly appreciated. Im just hoping its not a rod knock.
thanks
also, its an automatic