Community Forums

Rambler925 · 09-05-2022, 12:28 PM

My Ramlber has 62k miles on it and just developed a loud "clap" sound yesterday. It is most pronounced while accelerating and decelerating. I did not lose power and was able to bring it back home under its own power.

This is a new to me Rambler. I was told it never had an issue before. I have put less than 1500 miles on it at this point. Argh! Family of four stranded from our vacations.

Oil recently changed and just checked. There are no visible exhaust damages or issues. I don't have the engine serial number, but it is a 1996 Ford V10.

Any help is appreciated.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/bkxBNePAtuf79JpC6

this is a video of the sound from the outside.

code2e · 09-05-2022, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rambler925

My Ramlber has 62k miles on it and just developed a loud "clap" sound yesterday. It is most pronounced while accelerating and decelerating. I did not lose power and was able to bring it back home under its own power.

This is a new to me Rambler. I was told it never had an issue before. I have put less than 1500 miles on it at this point. Argh! Family of four stranded from our vacations.

Oil recently changed and just checked. There are no visible exhaust damages or issues. I don't have the engine serial number, but it is a 1996 Ford V10.

Any help is appreciated.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/bkxBNePAtuf79JpC6

this is a video of the sound from the outside.

Either the model year is off or the engine. Ford F-53 did not come with the V-10 till 1999. In 1997 it would have a V-8 460 cu.in. 7.5 L.

I see in the video, someone has installed aftermarket tubing headers in place of exhaust manifolds and head pipes. I would look them over very closely. Common to blow out the gaskets at the cylinder head and the collector gasket below. Maybe even developed a pinhole in a pipe or weld. If you find bad gaskets, be sure to order for the correct engine. Clean both surfaces well and tighten down evenly to get a good seal.

Headers by their nature are much louder than manifolds and pipes. They do make heat insulation wrap for them that quiets them some also. Think you will find the floor gets pretty warm on each side.

Another source of noise similar to yours is the serpentine belts. I believe you have 2 belts, one on a tensioner and the other adjustable. Look at belt condition, cracks on the "v" side tensioner strength and adjustment.

chboone · 09-06-2022, 12:00 AM

There were some early V10 F53 chassis registered as 1997 since there was no 1998 chassis built.
OP would better responses in the Ford MotorHome Chassis Owners Forum
https://www.irv2.com/forums/f23/

153stars · 09-06-2022, 06:56 AM

Easy count header tubes 5ea. side V10
A phone mic does not pick up a sound like that very good to diagnose. I've heard cracked ring gear flywheel plate make a slapping noise heard the nearly exact same sound from an exhaust gasket "way more common".Push a piece of cardboard over tailpipe if sound changes its exhaust, might make easier to locate. Headers are notorious for loosening up blowing gaskets. Seems like it would happen to my header cars early after I installed them ,then be fine then after. I'm not sure if heat or exhaust system settled in.

donr103 · 09-06-2022, 09:28 AM

WAG..catalytic converter came loose inside and honey comb inside rattling around inside.. check engine fan clutch and belts and tensioners..
Good luck and keep us posted

House Husband · 09-14-2022, 05:24 PM

OP's coach has Banks headers, without exhaust manifold gaskets. 5/8" flanges on headers. Metal to metal, just like OEM manifolds.
Also, no catalytic converter on 94-97 Ford 460.

Richard