Hello to the forum,

Well that didn't last long!

For those that may not know, I bought this '96 Sunfire a few weeks back in a somewhat non running state, (was able to drive it home and that was it) Well after many hours of researching and testing, it turned out that the ICM was bad. So, fast forward. The engine ran like crap for the first few days after replacing the ICM, but than began to run perfectly. (guess the computer needed to relearn) Anyway, I decided to get on it a little, big mistake. After a couple of spirited runs through the gears the engine began knocking.

So...I now need to have look inside the bottom end of the engine. Can the oil pan be removed from the engine with the engine still in the car?

Also, the knock doesn't sound like a normal rod knock. Is there anything else, like the balance shafts, that could make a knocking sound similar to the knock a rod would make?

Thanks for any ideas / information.

Rod knock can come and go. Tends to be there under load and after you get off it, idle it can be quite. As for getting the oil pan off. Climb under the car and look to see if you can see all the oil pan bolts. If you can and the sub frame is not in the way, the pan should be able to drop down. I would check the oil dip stick first. You may see metal flecks in the oil.

Moved to Pontiac mechanical and maintenance section.