ha...if i can't figure out this clicky-clacky engine noise i'd be showing up in a focus...
I had a rattling noise under the hood this past weekend. It was the water pump bearing failing. It died on the Connecticut Tpke. Saturday night. I noticed a HUGE cloud of smoke emanating from the back of my Eagle, and heard the engine knocking (temp. gauge is not working). Pulled off the highway and Thank God there was a Starbuck's there, because it was freezing out! Popped the hood and saw everything was soaked in antifreeze. Called AAA and got some Hot Chocolate. We were far from home, but luckily my brother-in-law lives nearby and he rescued us. A local garage put in a new water pump & lower rad. hose and I picked the car up 2 days later.
Car is nice, quiet, and runs smoothly again. This is probably the 4th time (in 8 years) I've experienced total coolant loss and the engine has overheated badly. Fix the problem, fill with antifreeze, and she's running smoothly again. Tough engine that 258!
~ Joe in NY