Lee

Out driving today, just after I shifted down into fourth while slowing for a speed zone, my '78 911 began making a hell of a racket...loud clattering...I'm not certain if it lost power, because I had it over on the shoulder as soon as possible, afraid to give it any more gas. I had it flatbedded home, and haven't done anything. I did start it up once, and it sounds like hell. It's not the chain out of the garbage can noise...it's more like the sound of a small caliber automatic rifle. The tow guy was certain it is a piston going, however it sounded like it was coming from behind the fan housing.

It was running great, I wasn't running it hard, it had plenty of oil, and wasn't overheating. It was in good tune, and has updated tensioners.

My question: is there a way to see what's going on without starting up the engine? I'm afraid I'm going to put a piston through the block, if I'm not careful.

Any help is greatly appreciated...I've been mourning all day long.