Help!
I finally got a chance to go out today for the first time in weeks. Got everything set, warmed the car up on the drive, rolled it onto the road, strapped in and away we (I) went. All was well for maybe 5 yards. The engine is now making a funny clonky whirring noise from the front end of the engine. I can't tell wether its from the engine block or the gearbox. The gear change/clutch felt a little different, but as to wether this is due to the long absence of me driving it or a fault, I can't tell. The car would go fine, albeit noisily for a few yards, then the revs would wander about a bit (by roughly 500-1000 rpm) then the car would hold back or go a bit faster. I'm hoping it's a minor problem with the clutch, that is easily fixable. Any ideas from you bunch of nice people?

Is the gearbox bellhousing securely bolted to the engine ?

Doesn't have one, it's a bec!

Oh well Serves you right

Sorry can't help then. Good luck, hope it's something trivial.

Have you thought about fitting a car engine?

David

Yes, but not in this car. Boat anchors are for the next project! But that's an all ally 7 litre V8, so it doesn't count.

First of all, I'd check the oil level. Then check clutch cable for possible signs of wear and make sure it operates properly. Same thing with all gear linkages.

Do you have the choke connected and were you using it? Does the engine make a noise when under load? Does the engine rev freely whilst stationary?

Phil

To answer hellfire's questions, oil level was checked before I set off, and is overfilled by roughly 3/4 L The clutch is hydraulic and works fine. Haven't checked gear linkage yet.
The choke was set, but only to start her, and was turned off before moving off. Noises only happen under load, it sounded fine on the drive way, and rev'ed as freely as ever.

Are you certain there's nothing catching/rubbing on the propshaft and does it make the noise in all gears?

I can't see anything rubbing, and feel to poo to crawl under it today to check further. I daren't go any higher than 1st in case something terminal was about to happen.

OH DEAR,

Is your bird engine dry sumped. Big end?

Possibly the revs wandering is not connected, Its pretty cold and the ECU may just be a bit confused with IAT, Ambient, Baro, MAP and coolant temperature sensors giving conflicting info.
Let it run up to full working temp, (hot) and see if it settles down.

Bike clutch plates can stick together when stood, sometimes in a relatively short period of inactivity, but should free off with use pretty quick. that would make the clutch feel 'different'

Not sure about the noise, 'windage' maybe?
Just some thoughts...

John

Not sure how it could be a big end, as it happened at low rpm/speed. Could be though, although I hope not, as I can't afford to repair it yet. Engine out next weekend for further inspection.

If it is the bottom end im selling a tuned engine with 150 bhp at the wheels! Has yoshi cams, head been worked and a new set of flat slides + foam filter! Only £1750!! Comes with spare gearbox and std carbs.

As much as I'd love to I can't really afford to repair this one yet, let alone buy a better one! Also, swmbo is fed up of me spending money on it already! If the lottery numbers come up though, you're on!

I'll hold you to that!

Ok, but only if I get 5 or more numbers!
Thinking about it, do you have any spare clutch parts?


[Edited on 20/11/06 by DIY Si]

All i have is a spare short engine and gearbox which is complete but not stripped! I knocked the bottom end out at MIRA! Sorry.
If I sell the engine and they dont have the spare i let you know. Or if you find someone who wants the engine your welcome to the short engine!!

I might do actually. Do you know the power at the crank? Or have a print out for it?

The engine was dyno'd at Powertec in Peterborough in the car and was giving a 150 at the wheels-i'll try and find the print out.

Here is the complete run down:

Ported and Polished Head. Yoshi Cams, 41mm Kehin Flat Slides with Foam Filter, Fluke Sump Baffle Plate,Wiring Loom and ECU. Can be heard running and comes complete with a spare six speed gearbox, standard carbs, spare block and pistons.

This engine starts on the button every time and is very successful in hillclimb and sprinting in the south west. It was built by Symtek Racing and has been dyno'd by Powertec with 150 bhp at the wheels.

Hi there sorry i don't have an answer but i went out a couple of days ago (mines a bec) and had a strange rotating noise but only in second????? car goes fine and no noises in other gears no slipping clutch etc maybe its the cold!!! have you taken yours past first gear yet??

I have found the Dyno sheet-150.5bhp at the wheels and 83.8lb/ft torque!

Annoyingly I can't at the mo due to being ill! Lots of time on my hands and unable to do anything! Rubbish!!!

hope you feel better soon and will be interested to know what it turns out be - good luck

Cheers. Will hopefully be able to report further at the weekend.