I just purchased this vehicle from a friend of a friend. Runs nice, 185,xxx miles. Paid less than I expected so no complaints.
I noticed the engine had a rattle though when I started it with the hood open. I'm definitely no mechanic, so my first thought was "oh no, it's a rod." But it's not loud… Barely audible with the hood shut, recognizable with the hood open for sure. And it knocks in time with the engine cycle (it rattles faster when I accelerate, etc)
I searched YouTube for similar issues and I heard a video of a newer model Honda engine producing almost the same exact sound. It turned out that the issue of that car was the Water Pump Tensioner. I have no idea what that is, if that would be my issue for sure or how bad it is to continue driving the vehicle in that state if that IS the problem.Anyone want to shed some light on this? Say that the water pump is the problem. Stop driving it? And if it isn't the water pump tensioner, what else?
Added (1). This is the closest sound to what my car makes:
And like I said, it "knocks" faster when giving it some gas.
Read more: 2001 Dodge Intrepid Water Pump Tensioner Issue?
