4th gear rattle?

[HampshireCapri]

Hi all

My 1.6 Ford Capri L has been making a metallic rattle sound whenever I change into 4th gear and occasionally in 3rd too, it lasts about 3 seconds while I'm gaining speed in the gear and then dies out, it also rattles for longer periods when driving under load or up hills? Any ideas what this might be?

[stevemarl]

It sounds like pinking. You need to get the ignition timing set, do a search on here it will be covered elsewhere

[280Brooklands]

2nd that! Sounds like the timing is a little advanced. Do you use a lead replacement fuel additive?

[HampshireCapri]

Thanks for the feedback yeah I do use lead fuel additive. Is setting the timing fairly simple?

[pbar]

Yes, you've pretty much given a textbook description of the exact symptoms of pinking. Sort of sounds like the shaking of a can of spray paint. You can 'make' it happen at will, by choosing a gear that's a little too high for your current driving situation, especially going up hill.

Some info here for you -

http://www.fordcaprilaser.co.uk/ignition_timing.htm