Hi everyone...

OK... as a favor to a fellow college student, I agreed to take a look at a friend's 93 945 w/Regina to try and save him from having to pay the rediculous labor rates at our local brick mechanics.

What he has is a terrible, loud rattling/vibrating noise on acceleration, usually under higher (3000 plus) RPMS or sometimes when turning. Happens often right before a shift, or after a kickdown. Sounds like a shroud of some sort -- like a thin piece of metal vibrating against something.

Only thing I have found on the car is that the valve lash needs adjusting ( I told him I'd reshim it for him once school lets out next week) and the fact it's running a bit rich.

Other than that, I have *No* idea what this is. I have heard Catalytic Converters go bad and cause a rattling/vibrating noise, but not this loud. (this can be heard a good distance away from the car) Like I said, sounds like a shroud, but I can't find anything loose.

It's worth mentioniong that it doesn't do it in neutral or park-- only when the car is in gear. Do I need to send this one off, since I don't "do" transmissions? Could it be a U joint in the drive shaft?

Any ideas really appreciated....

Warmest regards,
Fred