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strange engine noise

9 messages,  Last post on Feb 24, 2009 at 9:46 AM

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#1 of 9
strange engine noise by helpmeplease3
Feb 23, 2009 (1:56 pm)
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I have a 93 buick lasabre. It makes like a popping sound ( similar to the sound a motorcycle makes) only when giving the car gas. Other than that the car drives fine. Why is it that it makes this sound only when I step on the gas pedal? What could be causing this?
#2 of 9
Re: strange engine noise [helpmeplease3] by imidazol97
Feb 23, 2009 (5:10 pm)
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Replying to: helpmeplease3 (Feb 23, 2009 1:56 pm)

Is the sound coming through the exhaust pipe, meaning you hear it out the back of the car? Do you feel loss of power when it does that?
 
My first check would be the spark plugs and wires. I needs to have had the plugs replaced inthe last 40K miles with the recommended AC Delco plugs--the book at the auto parts store will tell them what you need. Also the spark plug wires need to be changed with original equipment quality wires. AC Delcos would be expensive, but Belden from NAPA or a similar quality brand would be good. Don't go for the bright blue or hot orange wires with a solid core or other similar claims of ability to make your car go faster. etc.
 
If the plugs and wires have been done then it might be a connection at the coils. There might be corrosion. There may be a problem with an individual spark plug wire or plug. A wire may be shorting across the porcelain of the plug because it's coated with salt spray, e.g.
 
It will require some thinking and checking.
Good luck.
#3 of 9
Re: strange engine noise [imidazol97] by helpmeplease3
Feb 24, 2009 (5:30 am)
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Replying to: imidazol97 (Feb 23, 2009 5:10 pm)

The sound is coming from the front of the car. I only hear it when I am giving the car more gas and then it stops when I get to the desired speed. The car drives fine. I just hear this noise only when I step on the gas pedal to give the car more speed.
#4 of 9
Re: strange engine noise [helpmeplease3] by imidazol97
Feb 24, 2009 (6:54 am)
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Replying to: helpmeplease3 (Feb 24, 2009 5:30 am)

What does the noise sound like?
 
Does it change with engine speed? -- you can try putting the motor in 2 and driving and seeing if the noise occurs under acceleration there?
 
Does it change with road speed?
#5 of 9
Re: strange engine noise [imidazol97] by helpmeplease3
Feb 24, 2009 (7:36 am)
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Replying to: imidazol97 (Feb 24, 2009 6:54 am)

I will try that. The noise is kind of like the sound a motorcycle makes or like a popping like sound which the sound is only made when going up in speed on the odometer. I will try your suggestions. I am not really sure if it makes the noise past a certain speed. I only know it makes the noise when i step on the gas pedal to get more speed and when i get to that certain speed or take my foot off the gas it then dies out. No more noise.
#6 of 9
Re: strange engine noise [helpmeplease3] by imidazol97
Feb 24, 2009 (8:52 am)
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Replying to: helpmeplease3 (Feb 24, 2009 7:36 am)

One thing possible is an exhaust leak at the coupling between the exhaust manifold and the exhaust pipe at the back of the motor. There's a donut between the two that serves to seal them. The two move a little with respect to each other as the motor twists. The donut allows some movement while keeping a seal. I believe that went out on my 93 and had to be replaced. It can be heard under the engine compartment if you have the hood up and someone accelerates the motor slightly while holding the BRAKES on securely along with the emergency brake being set so the car doesn't move. You'll hear a snapping sound when the motor is putting out more exhaust gas under the load. It is a barking like sound like a motorcycle.
#7 of 9
Re: strange engine noise [imidazol97] by helpmeplease3
Feb 24, 2009 (9:29 am)
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Replying to: imidazol97 (Feb 24, 2009 8:52 am)

Thank you so much for your help. So this would cause this sound when giving the car gas. Could it cause more damage if it not corrected soon.
#8 of 9
Re: strange engine noise [helpmeplease3] by stephen987
Feb 24, 2009 (9:45 am)
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Replying to: helpmeplease3 (Feb 24, 2009 9:29 am)

I'd also have someone check the motor mounts.
#9 of 9
Re: strange engine noise [helpmeplease3] by imidazol97
Feb 24, 2009 (9:46 am)
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Replying to: helpmeplease3 (Feb 24, 2009 9:29 am)

The hot gases escaping around the seal may, may heat up the wall between the passenger compartment and the engine if the leakage is toward that and is great enough. You can feel the leakage with you hand when you move it closer to the connection while motor is running--but it is hot back in there. It's a fairly easy repair for a good mechanic--two bolts that hold the two parts together. Put in the donut which is probably $15-25 at most and maybe less, and bolt it back together.
 
The donut is $7.95 at autozone. It's the exhaust flange seal, if I have my parts straight. You could also have leakage at a crack in the manifold that's bolted onto the motor if it's been damaged. Listening while the motor is running under load will let you locate the source of the sound while the hood's up and someone gently brakes and gives the motor some gas.

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