Hi, My '98 Accord has started making a clunking, rattling noise when I start it, as if something is loose in/under the motor I have checked the exhaust pipe and anything that could be loose underneath. It just does it when the motor first turns over to start the car. Could it be engine mounts or something else I don't know about?? Thanks for any ideas.

 

The heat shield around the catalytic converter is a common problem. Mine rattled, and it had only a rusty hairline crack on the shield where the two halves bolt together.

 

Sounds are funny when you try to locate them from the driver's seat. Have someone start the engine while you poke around the engine compartment trying to pinpoint the location.