First, to recapmy situation:
While travelling down the freeway today at about 85 mph, I lost some
> of my power- there was no accompanying loud noise or anything.
> However on slowing down there was indeed a fairly loud metallic
> clackety sound eminating from the engine.
>
> "Listening" along the valve covers with a broomstick didn't work very
> well, it was difficult to discern which side let alone pinpoint where
> the noise was coming from, eminating from all along the top of the
> engine (or maybe underneath). Anyway, cylinder 6 is pretty dead at 40
> psi, all others 135 or greater. Adding oil to cylinder did not help
> compression at all. The electrodes on this spark plug were, ah,
> devastated. The center elecrode appeared to be missing and there was
> alot of (oily) chunky deposit on outer electrode. Removed the valve
> cover and the cam lobes appear to be ok, along with plenty of oil. No
> oil in coolant nor loss of coolant that I can tell. While driving,
> the noise is quietest when I accelerate gently, loudest when
> decelerating or idling.
>
> Ideas on what the problem is are greatly appreciated, I am just about
> to attempt to remove the head to check things out. Anything else I
> should check first?
>
> Thanks,
> Greg
Mr. Whitewall Junkey opined of my unfortunate situation:
>The mechanical noise could be caused by a loose wrist
pin