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MG MG Y Type - Metallic tinkling

Here's a puzzle for all you Y experts out there - can anyone suggest a possible cause of an elusive metallic tinkling that seems to be coming from the general area of the clutch housing on my Y.
The noise is engine speed related and comes in at about 2500 rpm in 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears. Below that engine speed, the noise disappears.
Applying slight pressure to the clutch pedal makes no difference, and it's not vibration from the gear lever. Also, throttle position makes no difference as the noise is present on both drive and overrun.
I know that noises are very difficult to diagnose if you can't hear them for yourself, but all suggestions will be most welcome - it's driving me nuts!
Bill Bennett

Bill,
I had something similar myself on YB 1066.
Turned out to be a loose main spring on the end of the starter motor pinion, ( Bendix? )
I initially suspected something rattling in the Gearbox (I'm not the worlds greatest mechanic!)
Metallic pinging noise would start at 40-45MPH and get worse as speed increased. Noise would disappear again when speed dropped below 40MPH.
It would also cut in when going up through the gears once revs. got high.
With the help of a knowledgeable friend, and tne car over a pit, we revved the engine until noise cut in. Then, Keeping the revs at a level to maintain the noise, we looked for the source of the problem.
When a screwdriver was presed hard against main spring of Starter Bendix, noise stopped as if by magic!
I replaced the Bendix, which cured the problem!
I wish you luck, and hope this may be of help.
Regards from the Emerald Isle!
Pat Kiely.
Pat Kiely

I had a mystery noise there once and it turned out that the little coil springs in the clutch disc were loose.
Scott Barrow

Bill - Metalic tinkling - sounds like you may need to see a urologist - Oh, you are talking about a problem with the car. In that case, I think that Pat is on the right course. I have heard about such a problem before that was also traced to the Bendix gear on the starter. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

Trust you Dave!!

I have exactly the same problem on mg '63 MGB and it is indeed a broken bendix spring. I have been meaning to do something about it ... for the past 10 years, I even have a new statrter motor to drop in. I just have never gotten around to it prefering instead to trip over the new starter from time to time!

Takng the pinion off is fun - you need a special long G-clamp (C-clamp here in the US) arrangement ... unless someone else has a better solution which I look forward to reading too. This might be just the impetus I need to do something constructive with my problem!

Paul
Paul Barrow

What a great website this is!! Thanks to all who contributed to this thread, and particularly to Pat Kiely who correctly diagnosed the problem in a flash.

Bill.

p.s. Thanks Dave. Tried my urologist but he thought I was just taking the p... !!

Bill Bennett

Bill,
Correct diagnosis not due to extensive knowledge on my part, but down to the fact I had the same problem myself! I'm very glad you're sorted!
Cheers, Pat.
Pat Kiely

Utterly amazing, I have been puzzling over a metallic tinkling rattle noise that cuts in at around 42mph - and here's the answer.

My question is to do with criticality. Given the fact that the engine has only just got back into the car, how soon do I have to think about dealing with a loose Bendix?

Is it a "live with it" issue or "stitch in time" scenario? Paul seems to have survived 10 years.

What say the Experts?

Thanks
Murray
MG

This thread was discussed between 15/05/2008 and 18/05/2008

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