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Bad engine noise?

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sparkydave

sparkydave

Jedi Knight
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My 1500 has about 33,000 miles. Since I picked it up, there's been a noise when it starts cold, which I may well have mis-identified as a bad throwout bearing. It acts like it, but since I did replace the throwout bearing, I don't think it is, especially since it went away when I ran 10W-30 oil in it.

Best way I can describe it is a faint shriek when it first starts, that lasts for about a minute until it gradually fades away. During this time, if I step on the clutch it changes pitch or gets louder. Once the noise is gone, it's gone for good. One summer I ran 10W-30 oil in it, and one thing I noticed right away is that noise went away. I'm inclined to think it's the dreaded 1500 thrust bearing, so I make sure not to step on the clutch until it goes away, but does anyone have any ideas? I can only say I didn't find the thrust bearing in the oil pan when I had it off, but I don't have a dial gauge to really check the condition of it.
 
Use something to lever the crank shaft to the rear as much as possible if at all.

Have your best girl step on the clutch and see how much movement forward you get on the crank. Should not really move at all.

If no movement it is not the thrust bearings.
 
Step one... do a basic check of your thrust bearing, as Jack says. Even without a dial gauge... Anything but a hardly noticeable movement?

Next... belt noise? try a little belt dressing and see if it goes away?

Next... sounds a lot like a fan clutch, althought I can't think why that would change when stepping on the clutch.

With the engine at rest, wobble the fan blade front-to-back. If there is much movement, it's probably shot.

If so... put a large (6-8" dia.) hose clamp directly behind the fan, and tighten it up to lock the fan to the water pump 1:1.
 
I can see what I can find out about the end float to see if the bearing is questionable. Definitely not the belt; I know what those sound like when they slip. Fan clutch is new, and a dry pilot bushing wouldn't sound off until the clutch is released. Don't forget that this noise went away with different motor oil, so this really seems to point to something inside the engine.
 
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