Engine tick, gets worse with clutch (Page 1/2)
Modesto APR 09, 11:18 PM
So I picked up my first Fiero yesterday for $2800. The seller thought the noise was either the TO bearing or thrust bearing. The sound seems to come and go as I didn't notice it on the test drive but heard it when I started home, but not after that. Then today I drove it around and couldn't get it to make the sound, but tried again a few hours later and got it to do it. So here is what I know so far

-It doesn't seem to be there all the time
-It gets louder after the engine is hot
-it gets louder if you so much as rest your foot on the clutch pedal
-It sounds like it's coming about 2/3rds of the way up the engine as you come away from the transmission

So what do you guys think? Its unlike anything I've encountered before. Oh and here are some pics, 57k original miles but really needs cleaned!
Patrick APR 10, 12:26 AM

quote
Originally posted by Modesto:

I took I short video but I don'y know how to post it here.



Upload it to YouTube, then link to it here.

[youtube]url address of video[/youtube]

And if it's vertical video, I'm not going to help any longer.
pontiacfierokid1985 APR 10, 12:31 AM
I get that with my 4 speed Muncie as well. When I release the clutch not in gear I get chatter pretty bad but as soon as I engage the clutch it goes away. Thinking something with the throw out bearing maybe your problem bud.
Modesto APR 10, 12:36 AM
Well it's pretty much black with audio so hopefully the verticality doesn't offend you!

https://youtu.be/ulrIiyJejOE

You can hear it increase as my wife depresses the clutch, then get quiter as she let's off.
Gall757 APR 10, 10:37 AM
Exhaust leak....it will be in the front manifold if you have no luck.... It will come and go with changes in temperature, and you may want to check your engine mounts....the engine is moving a bit when you depress the clutch.

also: don't forget to put your car on the 88 database guy thread.

[This message has been edited by Gall757 (edited 04-10-2020).]

Modesto APR 10, 02:59 PM
Man, that would be sweet if that's all it is! I didn't see the crank move when the clutch was let in and out, and I can't imagine the sound from the TO bearing would come from its actual location.
Gall757 APR 10, 04:05 PM

quote
Originally posted by Modesto:

Man, that would be sweet if that's all it is!



Listening a few more times I am not so sure....but I think that's all it is.

Better news than a blown engine I suppose, but it can be a major task to get that manifold out. There are many threads here on PFF describing the job using #&!?#@!.

[This message has been edited by Gall757 (edited 04-10-2020).]

Patrick APR 10, 05:25 PM

quote
Originally posted by Gall757:

...it can be a major task to get that manifold out. There are many threads here on PFF describing the job using #&!?#@!.



I still get cold sweats thinking about what I went through doing That job which included drilling out broken manifold bolts. It was awful.
Modesto APR 10, 08:43 PM
I got the stethoscope and it seems like its top end noise. There is no change at the bell housing as you work the clutch. Its louder at the rear valve cover than the cover next to the firewall, and its loudest between cylinders 1 and 3. If you move closer to 1 gets quiter, get closer to 3 and it's the same deal.

Looking at the paperwork it seems like there were periods where it sat with the same (low mile) oil for an extended period of time, so I'm going to try a BG oil treatment and see if that cleans anything out. At this point its apparent that it either only exists or at least is much louder when there is no load on the engine.
Patrick APR 10, 09:45 PM

quote
Originally posted by Modesto:

I got the stethoscope and it seems like its top end noise.



My first thought when I heard your video was that it was a sticking lifter, but it didn't make sense for it to get louder as the clutch pedal was being depressed. Of course, it could actually be two different sounds we're hearing.