It is uncommon for the decel valves to stick but from the description it is a possible cause. The cracked muffler bracket is more likely but usually dosen't make much noise, the muffler just drops and the pieces separate so they don't rattle against each other. Very easy to check, just push on the top of the muffler (when it's cold of course). In fact it is VERY common for that bracket to break. All of the venders sell an improved, more durable bracket. The old one can be repaired too. You should hear the noise not only on decel but also if you rev it up and take your foot off quickly but it would be more noticeable when driving. Noises are really hard to diagnose by remote control. You could have a serious problem with a C/V joint too and I would be leading you in the wrong direction! I worked with Kayo on his car experimenting with the decel valves, he had changed his exhaust and didn't like the sound so we were trying different things. The decel valves won't have any effect on an automatic, they are there mainly for the 5-speed. David Teitelbaum vin 10757 --- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "Harold McElraft" <hmcelraft@xxxx> wrote: > If the noise is deceleration noise as Dave T suggests I would also > expect it to occur when you rev the motor. When you run the motor up > to 3-4,000 RPM and let off the gas you would hear the noise. > > If the noise stops when you disengage the clutch then I would look > for something in the drive line or motor mounts. I suggest applying > the parking brake and investigating the movement of the motor and > trans assembly with the car in reverse. This should simulate to some > extent deceleration in gear. With the car running, gently start to > engage the clutch first in reverse then in first gear. Repeat > several times and observe the movement of the engine. This will be > hard to observe alone and usually takes more than one person to do. > To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address: moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see www.dmcnews.com To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: dmcnews-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/