I've noticed when "hitting" the throttle from a standing start, or when going up a hill in O/D (at low RPMs) the engine makes a "rattling" noise. at low RPMs not under load (flat pavement), or at idle it's quiet. It only makes the noise under load at low rpms. I'm guessing this is the timing chain getting a little sloppy?
The engine is otherwise sound, no oil leaks, mobil-1 synthetic for the past
30,000miles, no smoke, no problems with emission testing.
If it is the timing chain, does anyone have any tips on what to watch out for when changing it? can it be done with the engine in-car?
(1997 Taurus GL, 3.0 vulcan, ~120,000miles)