Thanks Tom. It sounds more like a mechanical knock, rather than the "spark knock" sound. You mentioned low fuel mileage/low power..... Well, that is what is even more puzzling - my car gets excellent gas mileage. I get about 20 MPG in town, which I have heard is exceptional for this car. Also, while not a powerhouse, power is very adequate. It is my understanding that this is not a very high HP engine, especially for a nearly 4000 lb car, so I am guessing that the power of my car is probably not much less than it was when new?

HOWEVER, I do have what sounds like a splutter at idle (from the exhaust), but I cannot feel any roughness from inside the car, or even the engine. I installed new plugs, thinking that was the problem, but it did not. It may need new plug wires. They look original, but I doubt it on a 21 year old car?

My father glanced inside the oil spout on the valve cover when we were changing the oil and while I did not notice, he said - "that lobe on that cam really looks worn". I am guessing that is the problem then huh? I do not mind the knock, I just do not want to know that my engine will soon go out, or wear out even more quickly like this.

Thanks again!