Tapping sound on a 93 TBird

[flaggship]

I have a 93 Tbird with 3.8 V6, auto tranny and just over 90,000 miles on it. I have begun to notice that when I accelerate, or right after vehicle shifts from 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd, I hear a tapping sound that seems to be coming from the engine. It almost sounds like pinging but it is not. I have noticed the same sound when cruising at speeds from 35 on up when I accelerate slightly to pick up speed. I also hear the sound when accelerating hard to get on the freeway. When idling, the engine sounds fine. The check engine light came on several times several months ago but always went out and has not come back on since. Other than this sound, the car starts and runs fine. Anyone else ever experienced this and know what it might be? I hope it is not a sticky valve. If it were a valve problem, wouldn't I hear it when idling also? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[biniecki]

my best guess would b maybee an exhast leak somewhere, especially if its makin the sound ne time u press the gas

 

[65tbirdconv]

Sounds like pinging to me. Could be a exhaust manifold leak that you can not hear at idle. Have you tried openign the hood and rev the motor a little at the linkage to see if it does it then, then you could hear where it's coming from a little better.
Your not sure it is not pinging? Your symptoms sound similar. Try the the high octane gas one time in it and and see if it goes away.