bhvrdr

The noise sounds like two pieces of very solid metal clunking against each other and lasts for about 10 seconds when starting my car. It happens randomly and it is defininetly NOT the standard clutch chatter which I do have on my southbend, but it is more of a clunking than a ticking noise. When I listen to the noise under the hood it seems to be coming from the rear of the engine by the tranny. Please help guys. Thanks so much,
Mike

fusilier

Its around that area and would be tied to the the start of the car if it last for 10 seconds. Check and see if its not loose or something causing it to rattle as it comes to rest.

Mat Indukts Lambos

if it still does it though, Maybe take the starter out, inspect the teeth, & the teeth on the flywheel. There's no other noises during clutch operation? How long has it been since the trans was out?

bhvrdr

goes away after the car is started and idles for 10 seconds. Sometimes if I kill the car and start it right back up again I can duplicate the noise. Other times I kill it and start it back up again and no noice occurs. This is sweriously frustrating. thanks. mike

oh, the cluthch was replaced several thousand miles ago.

Mat Indukts Lambos

Could be the cam chain tensioner?

bhvrdr

to reproduce today. It sounds almost like a loud dieseling or bogging noise. Or like metal hitting plastic. Kind of a dull thudding noise only for ten seconds. Now I'm becomeing obsessed. My car's warranty is voided so I really want to try and save myself some money. Arggh. Cheers! Mike

Mat Indukts Lambos

when it's cold, while you're under the hood with your hand on the firewall side of the valve cover. Listen there closely when he starts it, if you feel a vibration that's parallel with the noise, & the noise is dominant there, it'll be the cam chain tensioner. Otherwise, maybe you'll hear some other area where it may be generating the noise from....

bhvrdr

letting this go on over time. I guess i'm asking if this is something that I need to be concerned about to the point I have the car immediately taken to my shop such as timing belt and water pump issues. Thanks again Matt. cheers! Mike

Mat Indukts Lambos

It can mess up the oil flow, block it completely or lower the oil pressure to the point that everything else that needs oil isn't getting enough. Or it can fail, throw the cams out, skip timing, and bend all the valves, possibly damaging the pistons to the point that the engine's not worth saving(cheaper to buy a used one).

Sorry to scare you, but it's what "could" happen. I'd get the timing belt job done at the same time if you haven't already.

bhvrdr

Thanks again matt. Ill keep an eye and ear out. cheers!