Crazy Rattling Noise

drscott

Member
Yesterday we had a great drive with our local Model A Club. Returning home I started hearing what I will call a rattling noise. Does not happen all the time. But if I am pulling up a small grade it is there, and it is pretty loud. When I push the clutch in it goes away. It is also not there when Im stopped at a light, either with the clutch in or with the car in neutral. Got home late and checked a couple of things......like radiator / hood rods or any other loose or vibrating issues, but found nothing. Could this be an internal clutch issue since the noise goes away as soon as I engage clutch?
 
PING ! If it happens with an increase of engine load like going up a hill, I would decrease your advance and see if it immediately stops rattling. If it stops; engine ping.
 
Darn, I would hate that. So I am assuming this would not show up and I would not hear it when it is just idling? Runs perfect or I should say sounds perfect at idle.

Thanks for all your replies.
 
Darn, I would hate that. So I am assuming this would not show up and I would not hear it when it is just idling? Runs perfect or I should say sounds perfect at idle.

Thanks for all your replies.

No it will not show at idle unless it was real bad. It first shows up under a heavy load then it gets worse as time goes on. Try retarding the spark some when it is making the noise. It should reduce the noise. The main sound is a heavy noise not high pitch rattle like spark knock.
 
Check your speedometer cable. I had a strange rattle, found my speedo cable just touching muffler. Hope yours is that simple.
 
Had a annoying rattle ,took forever to find. If you have engine pans ,check real close around the engine side for cracks around the mounting bolts. Mine were cracked in a perfect circle around the bolts. Had to take the engine pan off and drive it! No noise. Just put a new pan on and was back in business!
 
I had one for months, couldn't find it. Thought it was (and was convinced) brake rods but tied a rag around them and took a ride around the block. Nope.

Tried dozens of things. Then wife (and ex-farm girl) Cathy, hung off the side of the running board and found what it was.

Rattling hood. But not where you might expect. Not rattling near the bottom around the latches. Rattling against the tank at the top. Would have never thought.....

Stuffed a rag in there. Noise stopped. Needs new welting around cowl.
 
Needing new welting around the cowl. I need to do that too. On the list.

If your noise goes away when you engage the clutch it may be your throw out bearing.
 
Check the large bolt/nut that connects the two radius rods to the front of torque tube, near where the speedo hooks up.

I have seen them where the cotter pin was in place but the lock washer had broken and the two pieces had fallen out. Then they rattle like crazy!

I dismissed that bolt while looking for the rattle because the cotter pin was in place!
 
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