Tapping sound when Clutch pedal engaged

[katy]

Putting a washer under the bolt head is not a fix, it's just a band-aid.

The problem is not that the bolt is too long!

The problem is that the ring gear has moved forward on the flywheel (after being hit by the starter bendix repeatedly when starting) and it is now rubbing against this bolt end.

Fix it right. Remove the starter and tap the ring gear back on to the flywheel where it belongs. See post #15 above for procedure.

While the starter is out, inspect the bendix. I found mine broken and replaced it before reinstalling the starter motor.

Ditto

 

[mfarley]

I just got done diagnosing a very similar noise. Ring gear was contacting the front face of the flywheel housing where there are some ribs in the casting, and only when the clutch was engaged. It's not just the starter bolts that the ring gear could be striking. The ring gear was .060 over the flywheel edge in two places. I had the ring gear reseated on the flywheel and everything is good. So, this clutch problem wasn't a clutch problem.

 

[Jim/GA]

I just got done diagnosing a very similar noise. Ring gear was contacting the front face of the flywheel housing where there are some ribs in the casting, and only when the clutch was engaged. It's not just the starter bolts that the ring gear could be striking. The ring gear was .060 over the flywheel edge in two places. I had the ring gear reseated on the flywheel and everything is good. So, this clutch problem wasn't a clutch problem.

You are correct. The ring gear can rub against other things, too, if it moves forward.

I always suggest removing that one starter bolt closest to the engine, though, because it is so easy to do. If the end is shiny, then you KNOW the ring gear is rubbing against it.

If the end of the bolt is not worn, you still need to remove the starter and look at the ring gear itself to confirm it is fully seated on the flywheel. So removing 1 bolt gets you started.