Hi Everyone,

I have a 1982 240 that has been having some problems lately. The one that concerns me most is random loss of power (pick up) that happens when I'm driving for a while. The problem is always accompanied by a rattle/rotating sound (not that loud) from underneath the car. It usually happens like this: I'll be driving for a while (usually at faster speeds), I'll start to hear the rattle/rotate noise from under the car and much of the car's strength is lost. I can't even make it above 45-50 mph.

Then....all of a sudden the noise goes away and the power comes back.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

 

Does the tach do anything weird if you have one?

Any other signs with the problem?

 

There's no tach in the car. By the way, it only happens while I'm pressing on the gas pedal. Then, it stops and my strength is back...no noise.

 

it could possibly be that your catalytic converter has broken up and at times is plugging the exhaust. Tap converter with a rubber hammer and see if you can hear the stuff rattleing around inside.

 

That sounds very posible....
It also could be spark knock, timming being advanced or retarded by PCM.

 

does the check engine light come on?
if so check for codes.

 

82 doesn't have codes.

 

Thanks guys. I think you're onto something with the cat. The sound does seem to come from under the passenger side. I'll lokk into it.

 

I have a 91 with the same problem. I just spent 450 dollars & no fix to the problem. Check engine light does come on codes read: TPS, and O2. Please any help!!!

 

Well...the bad news is that it's not the cat. The good news...I have new mechanic that is great. More bad news....because the problem happens so randomly I can't seem to get him to see it happen. And...from the sound of it, he says it could be really bad. Maybe a loss of oil pressure cauing the pistons to make the rattle noise. And...did I mention I'm always by myself when this happens. Therefore, I can't pull over and hear where the sound is coming from in the engine. (I can't hit the gas pedal while not in the car) Any ideas?

 

push the throttle cable while under hood, then you can hear the engine.