Strange noise from engine compartment

[sblake01]

I've been through the bad idler pulley thing too. Does your car have A/C? I'm pretty sure it does being a 78 2+2. I think it was standard on those. Shoot a little WD40 on the bearing area of the idler pulley. It won't solve the problem but it will stop the noise for a while if the pulley is the cause but it will come back. That way you'll know if that's what needs to be replaced.

[rickl750]

Hi Guys,

Unfortunately the sound disappeared this weekend and I was not able to record the sound. This morning on my way to work it came back while driving and by the time I got to work it was gone again. Anyway, I'm going to spray a little WD40 on fan clutch and see if it disappears for a while as suggested.

Stephen,

Yes, It does have air conditioning and I was thinking the same. I'll take the belt off and see if that does the trick.

Thanks, guys I'll let you know what happens.

Rick

[moritz55]

Good posting .. I have a similar "Rattle" noise and I can't tell if it's from the Engine or Tranny/Clutch. It's been noticeable sometimes louder than other times in warmer/hotter days. I would appreciate any insight or suggestions.

The symptons are:

1) When driving and running in 3rd or 4th gear in 2.2 - 2.5k rpm range there is a noticeable rattle or "clanking type" noise. Sounds like metal-to-metal rattling.

2) When idling in Neutral, Clutch Depressed - No Noise.

3) When idling in Neutral, Clutch Released - Same Rattle or "clanking type" noise.

Given symptons #2 & #3, I thought it's my be the clutch linkage? Would it be a throughout bearing?

Any insight or suggestions is appreciated. Many thank...

[moritz55]

I forgot to mention in my post above. I own a 1973 - 240z ... Thanks...