I have read a couple of posts from you and I gather that you are a mustang owner. Well, after owning a white firebird it was wrecked by a senseless moron. All that to say that I purchased a 1989 Mustang LX 5.0 H.O. After driving the car for about three weeks I noticed a fluttering sound when I am driving. It only occurs when I accelerate and then only when the tach shows 1500+ when I shift into d and not o-d the flutter occurs at around 2500+. The sound is not there when the car is not in gear, but only when it is in gear. Please help! I am very worried. that is something wrong with the AOD.

 

Is it like a humming fluttering sound?? My friends 88 mustang had a similar problem, I think they told him his pilot bearing was going out or something like that.

 

WL,

I'll take a lot of insults and turn the other cheek, but that's a pretty low blow.

The only Mustang I ever owned was a 1968 289HO 4-speeder. If they ever decide to improve the structural integrity and weight distribution of the vehicle, I might consider looking at another one.

No, I'll retract that. After doing some supplier-level R&D on the Romeo engine project for Ford in the early '90s, I wouldn't have a Mustang unless I could get the older Cleveland engine. The "erector set" engines Ford is using now will never see 200,000 mile service without some minor miracles.

At least you're lucky enough to have one of teh good engines. Your problem could be a lot of things, but I'd plan to get it into a transmission shop soon to check the pump and input shaft - weak spots on the older 'C' series Ford transmissions for sure. I'm not sure if teh MX series are any better, but I'd be suspicious.

You can do a few things beforehand to eliminate possibilities and lower your bill. Make sure the oil level is correct. Check for external leakage or cracks in the housing. You might want to look at the tailshaft bearing, U-joints, and remove the inspection cover from the trans to check the TC bolts as well. Make sure the linkages are tight and not rattling around to create the noise. Look at the rear trans mount closely in case it is torn or softened from oil leakage.

Good luck. If you couldn't tell, I'm really not a big Mustang fan. They leave a nasty metallic taste in the mouths of my Impalas....

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Later,
Vader
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"I cannot take this any more... Saying everything I've said before..."
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0

 

Try some 110 octane mouthwash. Works wonders.

Kelly 'GhoSSt' Rosato

 

Sorry Vader for the insult, But also thanks a ton for all of the help.

 

hmm...sounds like a high pressure exhaust leak. sometimes an exhaust leak will not be present in park or neutral...but once it is under load it will certainly start "flapping". if its a ticking or clicking it could be your tranny...but i bet its the exhaust leak. not to go against Vader or anything. just my 2 cents

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Rick
90 Camaro RS 305 TBI
400 small block, Hooker 1 3/4 LTs, Random Tech Cat, Hooker aero chamber cat back on the way!!
TH700-R4 with Trans-Go shift kit (corvette servo here...but not installed yet)
MacEwen Motorsports White Gauge Overlays
14" K&N X-Stream Open Element
GTS Headlight and Taillight covers
5% Limo Tint all around
Classic White Chevy Bowtie sticker on rear window
http://www.geocities.com/esvalenz

Man if my camaro were a rice-rocket all those mods would give me what...easily 50-60 hp!!!

"Just because I've done it, doesn't mean I knew what I was doing!" - Me

 

BB,

Excellent observation! They don't all have to be the tough ones - some can be as simple as a gasket leak.

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GhoSST,

I'm still reserving that space for the old 'bird. I KNOW you could use some extra room in the garage....

P.S. - Thanks for the cam help on the old "beater". You're the man on LT1s.

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WL,

No offense taken. Mustangs aren't terrible little cars, but have room for improvement (just like our old ThirdGens). That's probably the reason most of us are here - to improve our rides.

Take a close look at the exhausts as BB suggests. Listen closely for the same sound at a lower level when "blipping" the throttle in neutral. Open the hood and listen closely at each side of the engine as you wick the gas up. BB is right about the noise being much more noticable under load, but you should be able to hear something this way if the exhaust gasket(s) are leaking.

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Later,
Vader
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"I cannot take this any more... Saying everything I've said before..."
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0

[This message has been edited by Vader (edited January 12, 2001).]