Ok.
So, my Lark is making a slight scrapping/chattering/rattling noise when running at idle. I can clear it up by simply resting my foot on the clutch pedal or, if I crawl under the car, by grabbing the clutch actuator arm and applying slight pressure back. The noise is somewhat intermittent; I notice that it seems to come and go, or I simply become accustomed to it, then notice it again. It's more noticeable if I'm sitting next to another car or in the garage where the sound is reflected up to the cabin; it's not very loud.
A few things about this car:
- 170ci L-head, 3-speed manual (no OD)
- It is a daily driver, so fixing it before it becomes a huge issue is important to me.
- The clutch was rebuilt about 1,000 miles ago...friction and pressure plates replaced, pilot and throw-out bearings replaced, flywheel turned down, and all the gearbox seals were replaced as well. The mechanic that performed the work noted no issues in the gearbox save the usual wear to the first and reverse gears. He is intimately familiar with Studebakers, so I trust that he knew what he was looking at.
- The U-joints were replaced around the same time
- Gearbox fluid is Ford Tractor mineral gear oil (SAE90) and brand new
- Grease fittings are all regularly attended to.
- Pedal free play is set correctly per the shop guide: between 1/2" to 1"
- The sound, from under the car, seems to be coming from the vicinity of the gearbox, not the engine.
- I am unable to find anything loose in the clutch linkage that appears to be making this sound; it definitely seems to be internal (somewhere)
Gear engagement seems ok, but this is the first and only Stude I've driven: 1st gear from idle requires bumping 3rd to avoid grinding 1st. Downshifting from 3rd to 2nd is somewhat problematic; I have to be doing under 20mph and let it slip into gear (applying pressure upwards until the gear simply falls into engagement), otherwise 2nd will engage rather roughly. There is no whining or other noises that seem out of the ordinary for a car of this vintage. All in all, the car is relatively quiet.
I think that's it. I'd appreciate anyone's input here. I'm not eager to tear into the gearbox looking for gremlins if I can avoid it...
So, my Lark is making a slight scrapping/chattering/rattling noise when running at idle. I can clear it up by simply resting my foot on the clutch pedal or, if I crawl under the car, by grabbing the clutch actuator arm and applying slight pressure back. The noise is somewhat intermittent; I notice that it seems to come and go, or I simply become accustomed to it, then notice it again. It's more noticeable if I'm sitting next to another car or in the garage where the sound is reflected up to the cabin; it's not very loud.
A few things about this car:
- 170ci L-head, 3-speed manual (no OD)
- It is a daily driver, so fixing it before it becomes a huge issue is important to me.
- The clutch was rebuilt about 1,000 miles ago...friction and pressure plates replaced, pilot and throw-out bearings replaced, flywheel turned down, and all the gearbox seals were replaced as well. The mechanic that performed the work noted no issues in the gearbox save the usual wear to the first and reverse gears. He is intimately familiar with Studebakers, so I trust that he knew what he was looking at.
- The U-joints were replaced around the same time
- Gearbox fluid is Ford Tractor mineral gear oil (SAE90) and brand new
- Grease fittings are all regularly attended to.
- Pedal free play is set correctly per the shop guide: between 1/2" to 1"
- The sound, from under the car, seems to be coming from the vicinity of the gearbox, not the engine.
- I am unable to find anything loose in the clutch linkage that appears to be making this sound; it definitely seems to be internal (somewhere)
Gear engagement seems ok, but this is the first and only Stude I've driven: 1st gear from idle requires bumping 3rd to avoid grinding 1st. Downshifting from 3rd to 2nd is somewhat problematic; I have to be doing under 20mph and let it slip into gear (applying pressure upwards until the gear simply falls into engagement), otherwise 2nd will engage rather roughly. There is no whining or other noises that seem out of the ordinary for a car of this vintage. All in all, the car is relatively quiet.
I think that's it. I'd appreciate anyone's input here. I'm not eager to tear into the gearbox looking for gremlins if I can avoid it...
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