Catalytic converter, error codes etc
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
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Catalytic converter, error codes etc
I just finished replacing the engine on my 1997 F150 4.2l manual transmission truck. When I first started it, it started on the second try. It seemed a little rough but it had been a while since I had driven it so I thought I might be a little overly sensitive. Further, there were a number of warnings in the service manuals that indicated that the computer needed about 10 miles to adjust so I thought it might have to do with that. However, once I drove it I realized it was something more than that. It was running very rough and lacked power. So I decided to replace the spark plug wires.
This morning I was in the process of changing the wires and I checked the diagram of the coil pack one more time. This time I noticed that the order of the plugs on that side go 4, 6, 5 from back to front of the coil pack not 4, 5, 6 like they had been arranged previously. So, instead of changing the wires I put back the old ones, this time in the correct order. This time it ran very smoothly. But that is not the end of it.
When it was idling after warming up it started to make a rattling noise that seemed to be coming from the left side. At this point no lights had lit on the dash. Even with the rattle the engine continued to run very smoothly so I took it for a drive to my friends house to return some extensions he had lent me. About halfway there ((10 mile one way) the check engine light came on but the engine continued to run smoothly. Just as I was leaving his house the rattling resumed and we think it may be the left side catalytic converter as it seemed that may have been the source for the sound. Further I was able to stop the rattle by revving up the engine to about 2000 rpms or so.
Anyway, my question can anyone give me some feedback as to what the cause of this rattle might be? Further, could anyone recommend a code reader that would be good for my truck so that I could diagnose the check engine light?
This morning I was in the process of changing the wires and I checked the diagram of the coil pack one more time. This time I noticed that the order of the plugs on that side go 4, 6, 5 from back to front of the coil pack not 4, 5, 6 like they had been arranged previously. So, instead of changing the wires I put back the old ones, this time in the correct order. This time it ran very smoothly. But that is not the end of it.
When it was idling after warming up it started to make a rattling noise that seemed to be coming from the left side. At this point no lights had lit on the dash. Even with the rattle the engine continued to run very smoothly so I took it for a drive to my friends house to return some extensions he had lent me. About halfway there ((10 mile one way) the check engine light came on but the engine continued to run smoothly. Just as I was leaving his house the rattling resumed and we think it may be the left side catalytic converter as it seemed that may have been the source for the sound. Further I was able to stop the rattle by revving up the engine to about 2000 rpms or so.
Anyway, my question can anyone give me some feedback as to what the cause of this rattle might be? Further, could anyone recommend a code reader that would be good for my truck so that I could diagnose the check engine light?
Last edited by f15097; Mar 17, 2012 at 04:25 PM. Reason: premature posting
RDNK150
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,390
Likes: 66
From: Pembroke, Ma
Well idk about a rattle give more details in location other than left side is it underneath is it only when accelerating or at idle when turning over bumps...etc etc
As for a code reader www.tooltopia.com has a few for under 100 bucks
Www.harborfreight.com has one or two... (disposable tools not the best quality but may do the job)
Depends on how much you wanna spend a good quality code reader that does cel,srs,abs freeze fame and all that jazz is gonna cost on the low end about 250 on the high around 10-12k I bought mine for 3500 it is an OTC genesis 2nd gen and its my favorite tool in my box
As for a code reader www.tooltopia.com has a few for under 100 bucks
Www.harborfreight.com has one or two... (disposable tools not the best quality but may do the job)
Depends on how much you wanna spend a good quality code reader that does cel,srs,abs freeze fame and all that jazz is gonna cost on the low end about 250 on the high around 10-12k I bought mine for 3500 it is an OTC genesis 2nd gen and its my favorite tool in my box
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 20
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tugs,
As noted, it seems to go away when I rev it up to about 2000 rpm or so. It is definitely underneath and usually does not happen on initial start up but rather after it has been running for a while. I would say it is probably at operating temperature not much before that. I don't hear it while driving so much. It is regular once it starts. It does not sound like it is coming from the engine itself. Also, I don't know if I made it clear, the check engine light came on today. I am suspecting the catalytic converter or O2 sensors may be the cause of the check engine light and may be related to the sound I am hearing.
As noted, it seems to go away when I rev it up to about 2000 rpm or so. It is definitely underneath and usually does not happen on initial start up but rather after it has been running for a while. I would say it is probably at operating temperature not much before that. I don't hear it while driving so much. It is regular once it starts. It does not sound like it is coming from the engine itself. Also, I don't know if I made it clear, the check engine light came on today. I am suspecting the catalytic converter or O2 sensors may be the cause of the check engine light and may be related to the sound I am hearing.
