Hey everyone,

I'm just a girl who doesn't know a whole lot about cars, but I'm really trying my best to learn. I have a '94 Ford Tempo and there is definitely something awry. I recently got stranded on the highway when my engine overheated. It turns out that my radiator hose was busted, and as soon as I got it replaced everything was fine. Then, a few days later, I'd been driving 50 miles or so when I pulled up to a toll booth. When I slowed down I heard a weird ticking/clanking sound coming from the engine. It went away when I started moving again, but reappeared when I stopped. It seems to be getting louder the more I drive it, though it still stops all together at higher gears. Could this have anything to do with the over heating, or could the mechanic have messed something up when he was poking around in there? Any ideas about what this could be or if I could fix it myself??

I'd REALLY appreciate any help you could give me!
I love my baby tempo and I hope it'll be ok!

when was the last time you had your brakes looked at? it could be that you have an issue with the brake pads, and they can make a clicking noise, which could echo in such a manner to make it sound like the noise is coming from under the hood/car...if i am not mistaken, i know that some of the escorts had long pins that go through the pads/calipers, held in with a butterfly clip..those clips can corrode and break out, and the pins work their way loose and tghe pads make noise, but im not sure if your car has that system or not...

Hmm. Interesting thought.
If this were the problem, would it make the noise even when I wasn't applying the brakes?
It starts making the noise immediately when I start the car. Also it seems like it takes more power to start than it used to, which, in addition to the sound itself, is why I tought it might be the engine.

Hi just a fought what it could be you could of done a push rod and the rod has gone frew your tapets when you do a push rod that would make a clanging noise and the tapping noise would be the tapets if that is the case then you are looking at a couple of hundred i think not to shore on the price but if i was you i would get that macanic back and ask him what is the problem with my car as it was running alright untill he looked at it.
If he was a good macanic and a good person he should tell you whats wrong with it and tell you what it will cost you.
I hope i have helped you in anyway.

but if it was a pushrod, it would get much worse as she speeds up..but she says it gets less as she speeds up....

the brake issue woudl make noise even when youre not braking..because there is still contact being made between the rotor, which is always turning, and the brake pad...it may seem to go away because it higher speed it has enough friction agaisnt the spinning rotor that it is pinned agaisnt the caliper bridge...

I think she needs to check the engine oil quick, hope not to much damage has been done.

you think its a lifter issue?

Could be, But I think if the car overheated some damage might have been done to the crank, rob, and cam bearings. As the engine speeds up the oil pressure can make the noise less'in. Or the engine is just low on oil and damage is being done, in either case I'd check all fuilds and drive the car until it dies, then I'd get it fixed or buy something new (different)