Rattle and Temp. Gauge

[TacitBlue]

I have a what sounds like loose metal rattling sound at 1500-1600 rpm. it sounds like it's coming from somewhere along the exhaust but I checked everything from the muffler to the exhaust manifold including the heat shields, and nothing seems loose. It does sound like it is coming from somewhere along the exhaust manifold though. Any ideas what this could be? Also I just noticed my temperature gauge has started to go erratic. it would take a while too move, then drop all the way down, sometimes on a bump, sometimes on it's own and then pop back up to normal cruising temperature. Anyone have a similar problem and solution? Thanks.

[devonianwalk]

As for your temp issue, the first thing that I'd check would be the temp probe wire connection at the probe its self.

[edicer2]

i think the temp prob is on the lower intake manifold on the driver side right? thats where it is on my z31 anyways

 

for your other problem I think its a heat sheild still they can feel solid but still rattle i chased the same problem on my old pathfinder for months until i just tore them all off!

[TacitBlue]

I think I isolated the rattle to the muffler itself. It sounds like one or some of the baffles inside are broken or loose. The muffler shops use the cheapest parts available...

[TacitBlue]

As for the temperature sensor. It is located on the metal plenum coming off the top of the engine block right before it transitions to a rubber hose and goes into the top of the radiator. I cleaned the connection and so far it seems to be working fine.