Engine clatters when I get down on it and thing always idles rough/unsteady. It's been doing this since I bought it at 11,000 mi and now has 154,000. I quit running ethanol in it which amazingly enough, it wouldn't clatter when I ran E85. Still idled rough though. I try to use Shell or Chevron when possible. Mileage isn't too bad. Also, it only does this when motor is warm/hot not in morning when cold.

Why don't one of you nice chaps come straighten this out for me I'm in Spring, TX and need a mechanic I can trust anyway.

Edit: I noticed yesterday it does it even under normal acceleration but weird thing is not all the time it seems. Sometimes barely audible.

 

im having the same problem except im getting misfire codes replaced plugs and wires also the coil pack no luck yet

 

It could be my coil pack I think thats the only thing not replaced. But I'm getting no codes to my knowledge.

 

Could the clatter be described as chatter? I know that may sound like a dumb question, but in my 90 Ranger the rocker arms flattened the rods and caused a chatter sound. It didn't happen to all the rods, just 3 or 4. I went ahead and replaced all the rods and rocker arms. Haven't had a problem since.

 

Nah more like bad gas clatter. Somewhat audible when I accelerate and louder when I get on it to pass or get on down the road. Rough idle not steady.