Lg 1030hr excessive ping noise

The condensation and white smoke could just be excess moisture that can build up in the muffler when the vehicles isn't used for a while or has been doing only short runs (less than 25-30 miles).. Keep an eye on the coolant level, and if it stays good then there isn't much to worry form that. As far as the "metal rattle" on acceleration, this could be what is known as "octane ping". It means that the engine is knocking a bit from fuel that isn't giving it enough octane. Cheap gas and occasional blending errors can cause this. Try running a tankful of mid-grade fuel next time. IF the noise goes away, you've found the culprit. Octane ping doesn't really hurt the engine, but it is annoying. You may be able to still use regular grade fuel, but might have to change the brand to find one that the truck likes better.

Sounds like your ac compressor clutch is saying syonara to me. Do you get a check engine light ?

Possibly timing chain tensioner.

it could be a wrist pin, and im not sure if those amc's had hydraulic lifters but sometimes with old lifters when the oil pressure is lower at an idle the lifters arnt filling up all the way so they develope a little valve lash, and when the rpms are raised the oil pressure raises and fills the lifters. you could try chasing the noise down with an automotive stethoscope.

Sounds like the Cat could be bad. Get under the vehicle and hit the cat with your hand. If it rattles then you know what your problem is, if it doesnt rattle then start check the belts and tensioners

Engines can make many different noises and people will describe them as knocks, pings, rattles or thumps. A true "knock" is caused by rod or main bearings hitting against the crankshaft. The general cause of that is either too much space between the bearing and crankshaft or insufficient oil pressure to maintain the distance between the bearing and crankshaft. Sometimes you can use a heavier grade oil so that the oil doesn't leak out of the bearing space so quickly. If you're currently using 5 W 15, go to a 10 W 30 or maybe even a 15 W 50. If you can't make the noise go away with that, either the bearings are too worn or it's a different problem. If the engine has less than a couple hundred thousand miles, the only reason for bearings to go bad would be inadequate maintenance.

Other problems that can result in noises like that are:

Piston slap. That's when the skirt (lower part) of the piston is slightly worn and is enough smaller than the cylinder that the skirt "pops" from one side to the other as the engine runs. It's more of an annoyance than a real problem, especially since piston slap typically goes away as the engine warms up a little. It typically takes just a few seconds to go away. If it's piston slap don't worry about it until the engine is rebuilt. Piston slap is quite common among many of the GM 350's, especially in engines that go short distances a lot or don't get adequate maintenance.

Fuel "pinging". That's when the fuel ignites too quickly and causes a sound like something rattling around inside the engine when you step on the accellerator. Use a fuel octane booster or change the engine timing.

Hydraulic lifter noises sounds more like a tapping sound and is usually caused by inconsistent oil changes

SHORT STORY, IT IS 13 YEARS OLD AND 3 YEARS PAST ITS DESIGNED LIFE

where is it coming from and what does it sound like. (eg. metallic ping coming from clutch area.)

sounds like your bogie wheels may be starting to ware out they are bottom left and right drum inside front panel if worn they take 10 mins to replace

check your timing chain or belt might be loose and or your belt tensioner is not working

Could be carbon build-up on the pistons, causing erratic flame travel in the combustion chamber... 'pinging'...... Decarbon the engine and use a high grade fuel for a few tanks.... also an octane booster can help