SMak

Hi all,

I apologize for the very noob first post, but...

My 98 GT 5spd has developed a pretty nasty noise from the bottom end (as determined by the couple of mechanics I quickly showed it to) at around 2000 rpm and above. I'd describe the noise as rattling. I know that's vague, but it's about as descriptive as I can be in regards to the sound. It's loud at 2500 rpm and only gets worse...I know bottom vs top end noises have different frequencies (vs rpm) but I don't know how to verify that.

Anyways, my question is this:

Should the noise be localized to a crankshaft problem, is there any way to pull the crank out of the bottom without removing the engine? Assuming the tension in the timing can be alleviated, pulley removed etc

I've seen the underbody of my car all of once, and I don't know if there are things that get in the way of the bottom of the engine (oil pan).

I won't get my hopes up, but this would be a lot less labour intensive and require the replacement of less gaskets etc.

Again, sorry for the ignorance, and thank you in advance.

Camster

Sorry,but the motor does have to come out.No cheap or easy fix,especially if you're paying someone to do it,as I suspect would be the case.Time for another car.

Z28KLR

You don't have to sh!tcan the whole car.

Definitely sounds like your engine is gonna be toast sooner or later though. If it were me, I would start looking for a 2V 4.6 from a wrecked 2001+ CrownVic/GrandMarquis/Towncar. The newer the better, the lower the mileage the better. Request the VIN from the donor vehicle so you can run a Carfax report and verify the engine's advertised mileage. They made those cars up until about 2009 or maybe '10, the engines are virtually identical to that of a 1999+ Mustang. Can often be had for less than $1000.

Very straightforward swap, less than a handful of things such as exhaust manifolds from your existing engine will need to be retained and installed on the new engine.

Camster

And what's the math of paying someone to do that? The cost of another 18 y.o Stang?...or add a few bucks for a newer one? It frankly doesn't sound like the poster is up to the task of tackling the labor aspect of this job.

In my part of the world,most of those donor cars would have been used for livery service,and would have a zillion miles on them.In BC,perhaps he can find a grandpa donor car.

Z28KLR

Was only stating what I would do.

I don't really have any experience with that sort of "heavy" work, but for the cost of a used engine, a Harbor Freight picker, couple 12 packs of IPA to lure some help over to my garage I'm sure I could figure it out. My financial ability is more realistic to accomplish that vs another car payment or scrape together $5K for another New Edge.

If that's out of the OP's realm then yeah, sh!tcan the car unless you love it and were planning on keeping it forever. Sell for what you can and roll that $$ into something else.

I live near Los Angeles and agree with you on the zillion miles thing. All the Towncars etc within 100 miles are former livery service.