went to start up my 95 se sunday and i hear a knocking noise:( it was going into the shop tue anyway for brakes:( waiting to hear from shop:( no money to fix if needs new engine (price? 1,00ish?) probably dump it and try and find something cheap under $500
sad sad day cant afford this its my and my gfs only car and we got work and school:(

What kind of knocking noise?

While engine is running, disconnect one spark plug wire at a time listening for the knocking to go away. It won't disappear, but you can narrow it down to a cylinder.

A knock isn't always a rod knock. I've heard harmonic balancers make ungodly noises, and other things can do it, too. Don't write it off yet.

Note: removing spark plugs while the engine is running with your bare hands is a good way to get shocked.

Pick up an inline spark tester for 1.99 at harbor freight and put it between the coil and plug wires one at a time, verifying spark on each cylinder. It'* a nice way to save your fingers

Note x2: I've done it both ways, but that shock can be nasty if you're not careful...

I read somewhere if you disconnect the wire at the coil and hold onto the plug wire connector leaving the plug attached at the other end, you won't get zapped 'cause you don't provide as good a path to ground as the wire in your hand. I have tried this with my VW and it does seem to protect you from getting zapped. You can bring the coil end of the wire close to the coil tower and watch the spark jump without harm. What I don't know about our waste spark ignition system is if disconnecting a wire when running can hurt anything? Maybe a smart electrical guy will chime in to help.

You know, I'm not entirely sure.

My preffered method for checking is either to get one of the inline checking lights, or to use a spare spark plug wire and plug - just move the plug wire back and forth between different coil packs with a plug in the end, hold the plug to the upper radiator support, and see what you get.

Any check engine lights present?

You can pull a fuel injector connector and get the same effect. Actually, I'd rather do it that way, so raw fuel isn't being shot into a cylinder with no spark. That'* a good way to contaminate your oil.

yup engine not turning over so DEAD and im pissed broke no car etc. **** america cars

Whoa whoa whoa......... Please keep your opinion on american cars to yourself. It is highly frowned upon.

MIght I suggest looking for a lower mileage junkyard unit? You can get them fairly cheap.

Yeah dude, ease up on that american cars stuff. Its just one bad trip you had with that specific car. believe me, i feel your pain, Just look for something that will accomidate you for the meantime. Not all american cars are the same.

Sorry to hear about your loss, I wish you luck with your situation.