Profile Picture

Please help me diagnose a strange rattle in my 312/Fordomatic

Posted By BIGREDTODD 12 Years Ago
You don't have permission to rate!

Please help me diagnose a strange rattle in my 312/Fordomatic

Author
Message
BIGREDTODD
Posted 12 Years Ago
View Quick Profile
Supercharged

Supercharged (349 reputation)Supercharged (349 reputation)Supercharged (349 reputation)Supercharged (349 reputation)Supercharged (349 reputation)Supercharged (349 reputation)Supercharged (349 reputation)Supercharged (349 reputation)Supercharged (349 reputation)

Group: Forum Members
Last Active: 10 Years Ago
Posts: 324, Visits: 2.4K
First, let me say I've been absent for quite some time...more on that below.

I need some help from those more well-versed than I. My '56 T-Bird developed a strange "rattle", and I'm having a helluva time nailing it down. Here's what I can tell you from my observations:
  • Most noticeable at idle (700 RPM+/-), up to around 1000 RPM
  • It is not consistent, or directly proportional to engine RPM's (like bottom-end or valve train noise)
  • It makes the noise in & out of gear, but doesn't increase/decrease with speed.
  • No weird noises/clunking when shifting in/out of gear like an engine mount/support.
  • The transmission shifts very well, nice & firm, with immediate engagement in all ranges.
  • The engine/tranny have not been separated in decades.
The best description of the sound that I can give is that of a single rock bouncing around in a tumbler. I haven't put it up in the air yet to pull the dust cover off the bottom of the bell housing, but that's where I plan to start. I am thinking that maybe something is loose or broken, and rattling around randomly in there.

Has anyone ever experienced something like this? I greatly appreciate any advice.



Regarding my absence, I've been focusing on selling the last few of my Dad's cars and trimming down the spare parts cache. Also, spent last winter/spring giving my '63 Cadillac the once over...obviously not Y-Block related but those of you that know me, know I don't discriminate. Here's a couple quick pics...

http://jalopyjournal.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=39089&pictureid=478482



Todd in Central California...about half way between Fresno and Sacramento

1956 Thunderbird - 1960 F-100 - 1961 Starliner - 1961 Imperial



Reading This Topic


Site Meter