TR2/3/3A Breakdown July 4

RedTR3

Jedi Trainee

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• Jul 4, 2013

• #1

Any ideas on what I am facing here?

Here's the story: Driving the TR3 today, got a sudden terrible metallic rattling noise and vibration...to me it seemed like it was coming from the clutch/transmission area but I am not sure, it could be the engine. The Car runs and was actually driveable but extremely noisy and poor acceleration. Oil pressure seemed OK. The noise gets quieter if the clutch pedal is pushed down all the way. The head was re-done about 300 miles ago and that does not seem to be where the noise is coming from anyway.

I am going to have it towed to the shop on Monday, but I would appreciate any ideas on what this might be.

Thanks,

Tim

 

Last edited: Jul 4, 2013

Andrew Mace

Moderator

Staff member

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• Jul 4, 2013

• #2

Timing chain? "Threw" a pushrod and/or broke a rocker arm possibly due to a stuck valve? Just guessing....

 

Geo Hahn

Yoda

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• Jul 4, 2013

• #3

If you dare to run the engine (and you should consider whether this is prudent) then one of these can help pinpoint the source of the sound:

Mechanic's Stethoscope

Pretty hard to make a guess based on a description of the sound -- location is a better clue.

Again -- you do need to think about whether it is wise to start the engine again under these circumstances.

 

TR3driver

Great Pumpkin - R.I.P

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• Jul 4, 2013

• #4

Any chance you have the later starter installed? I had a 3A where the starter drive fell apart on a long trip, and it made a huge racket. Didn't feel like I had much choice (couldn't afford a tow home or to pay a shop to fix it); but by the time I got home, the starter drive had exited through the bellhousing.

 

CJD

Yoda

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• Jul 4, 2013

• #5

TR3driver said:

Any chance you have the later starter installed? I had a 3A where the starter drive fell apart on a long trip, and it made a huge racket. Didn't feel like I had much choice (couldn't afford a tow home or to pay a shop to fix it); but by the time I got home, the starter drive had exited through the bellhousing.

Click to expand...

You mean...

...like this?

 

OP

RedTR3

Jedi Trainee

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• Jul 4, 2013

• #6

Well, I have the early starter, but I will take a look at it. thanks

 

TRopic6

Jedi Warrior

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• Jul 5, 2013

• #7

If its something rattling around in the bell housing, you might be able to see or get to it by removing the clutch inspection plate.

Jeff

 

TR3driver

Great Pumpkin - R.I.P

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• Jul 5, 2013

• #8

Yup, looked just about like that.

That cover plate doesn't let you see much (including the clutch); the flywheel fills the opening surprisingly well.

 

TRspitfirefan

Member

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• Jul 5, 2013

• #9

RedTR3 said:

The noise gets quieter if the clutch pedal is pushed down all the way.

Click to expand...

I wonder about the throwout bearing, or maybe a shattered clutch plate?

 

OP

RedTR3

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• Jul 5, 2013

• #10

TRspitfirefan said:

I wonder about the throwout bearing, or maybe a shattered clutch plate?

Click to expand...

Well, that is what I am kind of "hoping" for, a relatively easy repair...

I will post the results of the diagnosis next week.

 

OP

RedTR3

Jedi Trainee

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• Jul 25, 2013

• #11

Well, the tranny came out and it looks like bad news. Clutch, pressure plate and flywheel all look OK...So that leads to most likely a broken crank...ugh, now the engine has to come out and off to the machine shop. This is going to get pricy. Anyway, thanks to all of you for your help, we'll see how this goes from here.

 

S

sp53

Yoda

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• Jul 26, 2013

• #12

So the noise matched the engine RPM before you pulled the Trans?