when i accelerate. tried one grad better gas no difference. not really loud but it''s there. could be a belt?


90cougar

could be the timing chain tensioner slacking off and allowing the cam to lag a little causing some valve slap. my wife''s crown vic does that going up hills. it could also be a rear axle bearing starting to give, but I think that would sound more like a grind or hum. if it''s a belt, it would squeal. pulleys would squeal as well. more than likely it''s either the timing chain tensioner or valve guides. Either way, it''s time consuming and generally not cheap to fix.

It''s not your average engine pinging?