Hearing Strange Noise From Engine Compartment

Going to flat tow it over the the engine rebuilder next week and let him decide. It's his warranty anyways so.

 

Towed it over to the engine rebuilder so he could hear it cold. Of course no noise. So we warmed it up and never really could get it to make the noise, but he did show me the distributor was making a little noise and had me feel it as a vibration. He said it's not enough that he would worry about it. He spent a good 15-20 minutes getting it warmed up and you could just barely maybe hear something. So we took it for a short drive and could just barely hear it. He said he's been building for over 30 years and know what a bearing, rod, piston, etc sound like and not that. He said if it was engine, it would be heard once it warmed up, driving or not. His assessment is no telling where but just watch it, but he doesn't believe it's engine. So I get it home and go for a long drive and what happens is after the whole drivetrain gets heated up, the noise is back and obvious. It has like a clattering sound. So next step is to crawl under again and check any possible rubbing points, drive shafts, etc. Then get it warmed up good so it making the sounds, then get it up on jack stands where I can get on sides and try to pinpoint. Yes I know to be careful, but I don't have a lift. I also have tranny appointment next week for him to look at. So no answers as of yet, but the engine guy said keep him updated and if it's engine he will take care of it.

 

Why did you feel the need to tow it over to this guy? You shoulda drove it there and/or done everything within your power to replicate the conditions in which the noise manifests itself. I dunno.

I just feel like you wasted your time and I hate that as much as anyone. I'm on your side though.

 

The reason I decided to tow it is because it's 25 miles over and I concerned about major issue until I get this figured out. I know these things rattle and make all sorts of noise, but this one noise is just not right.

 

Glenn, I agree. I don't know what it is until I know what it is. Eventually, I will get the answer. I am a patient man, despite what others (w#fe) may say. I am wanting to end up with a 'relatively' dependable vehicle with an old nostalgia feel and there are certain things that are being done to be done (knowing full well there is not the precise ROI), instead of waiting for the big issue and worrying in between and there is a cost to that. So while I could have pampered the engine and it 'might' have never had the big one, or it 'might' have been just one trip away from the big one. I don't want to always worry when I, or my wife, crawl in to run to the grocery store or on a forest service road where I'm miles from help or cell service. At this point, I really still do have full confidence in the rebuilder and him standing behind it, always subject to revision. Now the decision is to do the tranny/TC earlier than originally expected. However, it was on the list, so now or later really doesn't matter. The tranny guy is an old racer type that I trust implicitly. He has done other work for me and always was the right decision. Part of me doing this 'before' we move to Durango is because I have certain know quantities and contacts, having been here 35 years, before I am in a place without that. Once I've eliminated the tranny/TC then I move to the next. Part of the process.

 

Clutch seems to work fine but I am having to double clutch more often (not statistically significant testing) and no I did not change the clutch or TO when we did the engine. They were in fine condition. Just the pilot bearing. Which is part of why just get it all done and move forward.

 

Yes, when I get the noise, I've grabbed each one at a time and no different sound, vibration, etc. same with floor pans.

 

Check the park brake drum on the back of the transfer case for something loose...…………..

 

I never did see the video. Did you take it down?

 

It's on post 38 or you can click it on Glenn's quote on 42 above.

 

No it's not. The link never appeared in either of those posts.

 

I see it and played it.

 

I see your link but the original posting never appeared.

 

Yep never saw it. I even paused Ghostery, reloaded 2x the day it was posted and just now. Zilch. Might be an issue with Google Chrome (I know, *gasp* evil-evil!)

Howard's link does work though, many thanks.

It does sound like engine clatter, most evident under load or acceleration. Engine gets hot, the oil thins a bit and/or the like and then the noise manifests itself. FWIW.

Did you show the video to the mechanic though?