trainfan1

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I had the exact same problem with my '87 Tempo, did the same stuff to
find the source, and never found it. I kept driving it and sold it,
still running quite well, at 210,000 miles. My top Ford tech at the
time(he's now working for Ford in Detroit) was stumped, and suspected it
was a timing chain issue.

Rob

anon

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Check the a/c compressor clutch pulley.
I replaced our's twice on a 91.
Rattled like crazy for a time and finally quit.
They get alot of road splash and the bearings go out in them.
Dealer said it was a common problem.
Just a thought.

tom adkins

You were sooooo close to the problem. It's very likely the harmonic balancer. The
rubber shears and the outer ring rattles like crazy at idle.
To replace it: Remove the accessory belt(s). Remove the front engine mount (front of
the motor) and let it drop down fully. There are 4? bolts on the top and one large nut
on the bottom of the mount. Get the nut from underneath. Remove the right front wheel
and the inner splash shield. You will have to bend a section of the pinch weld on the
front sub frame upward for clearance. You'll know what I mean when you look at it.
Remove the bolt in the end of the crankshaft. With a long pry bar, pry the engine down
and back as much as possible. Don't pry against the timing cover. The balancer will
slide right off, just wiggle it around for clearance to get it out.

trainfan1

No A/C!

Rob

collieplace

I would like to thank everyone for their help.

The more I think about Mr. Warman's idea the more it seems that that
might be the problem.
It would explain why the noise comes and goes depending on different
loads on the belt.

I am not sure how the pulley is attached to the harmonic, if it is spot
welded and a couple of welds let loose I can see how this would make the
noise.

I am going away for the weekend (close the cabin down for the winter)
but will check it out when I get back.

Again Thanks To All.

Bob

jim warman

I'm Jim... Mr. Warman was my Dad...