When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Any idea what this engine sound might be? (includes video)
Hi, I just purchased a '64 convertible and have essentially not even driven it yet (except for the initial test ride with the seller before purchasing it). After changing the oil (it's full and that might have no relationship to this ), I noticed a metallic rattling sound around the engine. I recorded a video so you can hear it (link below). Do you have any ideas what the sound might be?
Scott - Hard to say but I'd guess the sound is more like a sheetmetal 'rattle' than an internal issue. Maybe check out the ignition shielding pieces to see if any are loose and maybe check the bellhousing inspection cover in case that's loose.
Mike T - Prescott AZ
It did seem louder towards the rear so I think Mike is giving you great advice. The good news is the sound is not a Rod or Main Knock, not a Lifter Tapping. Not Piston Slap or scuff. Maybe a bolt worked loose on one of your tin covers. Very clean engine bay.
Any chance the spring is broken or come loose on your heat riser and it’s sitting there rattling in the passenger side exhaust manifold?
My first thought also, my 2nd.thought was thank God it’s just an annoying rattle of some sort not internal… wait for it to cool down then check that heat riser valve assy. Ever since oil change?
kinda go thru your steps again maybe you disturbed something that was rusted/loose & just waiting to be touched ??
Dollars to donuts it's the inspection cover for the flywheel. You just changed the oil and FILTER which is right there at the inspection cover. Check to see that all the bolts are in place and snug. Also, be sure the cover is not bent in towards the flywheel. This is definitely NOT an internal engine issue. Congratulations on your new Corvette. Pictures are kinda required
Does it change with rpm? If you put your hand on the ignition shielding does it change? Can you feel the rattle with your hand? All important questions otherwise we are guessing. That said, the educated guesses so far are pretty darn good!
Hi everyone, thank you very much for your experienced inputs. The first sigh of relief was hearing from you more knowledgeable folks that it was likely not an internal issue. I determined the source of the rattle and am sharing it here to solve the mystery. A wingnut was loose in the location highlighted in the photo below, and the end of the underlying metal piece was rattling against the engine.
If anyone knows what is that underlying metal piece held in place by those wingnuts, I would appreciate it if you would let me know for future reference as I gradually get to know my C2.
@dcamick, yes, the rear-most wingnut was very loose and provided no downward pressure on the end of the ignition shielding, though the other wingnuts were tightened down. A bit surprising that the other wingnuts were insufficient since the shielding is a fairly stout piece of metal, though nonetheless the sound appears to have gone away. I will continue to monitor it in case there are any other unusual sounds.
@dcamick, yes, the rear-most wingnut was very loose and provided no downward pressure on the end of the ignition shielding, though the other wingnuts were tightened down. A bit surprising that the other wingnuts were insufficient since the shielding is a fairly stout piece of metal, though nonetheless the sound appears to have gone away. I will continue to monitor it in case there are any other unusual sounds.
05-15-2024, 11:27 PM
Any idea what this engine sound might be? (includes video)
), I noticed a metallic rattling sound around the engine. I recorded a video so you can hear it (link below). Do you have any ideas what the sound might be?
