Clutch problem/first engine drop?

[78sc]

Hello all,

First of all, I'd like to say thanks to Wayne and all of you for providing a GREAT resource on the BBS here. I visit almost daily and have learned a huge amount of great info relating to p-cars!

Now on to the reason I'm posting. I'm considering dropping my engine for the first time to work on a few things before the springtime comes around and it's time to put miles on! The reasons for dropping the engine are:

1) Inspection and repair of clutch "rattle".
2) Installation of Carrera chain tensioners. (could be done with engine in)
3) Repair slight leaks from oil cooler and one oil return tube.
4) To become more familiar with my engine

The primary reason for dropping the engine is the clutch rattle from the transmission area. It only "rattles" when the clutch pedal is up. When the engine is cold, you can't really hear the rattle at all, but it is very noticeable after the engine/trans is warmed up. It totally goes away when the pedal is pushed in. I'm guessing a bad throw-out bearing, but do you guys have any other thoughts as to what could be causing that noise? It made that noise all last summer (I know, I should have fixed it then!) but hasn't hindered drivability or performance (that I can tell). There's no slippage of the clutch.

I'm fairly confident that the oil leaks are coming from the oil cooler and one oil return tube after cleaning the bottom of the engine and then driving a few miles and jacking up to inspect. From recent posts I've read, it sounds like it could be a little easier job with the engine removed. I'll probably go with the expandable tubes that our host supplies.

I've done clutch jobs on many Saabs before but this will be a first on a Porsche (if that's really the problem). I've had the car for nearly two years and this will be the first major project with with her......I'm looking forward to it!

Thanks,

Phil

[CarreraS2]

You sure the rattle is the clutch, and not the transmission?!?

Sounds more like a tranny issue to me.

[78sc]

No, I'm not sure that it's the clutch. It could be something else in the transmission. The only reason I'm thinking clutch (bearing, etc) is because the position of the pedal makes the rattle go away.

Car running, parking brake on:

Pedal up = rattle
Pedal down = no rattle

Good thought though....maybe I need to check out other things in the trans also.

Phil

[midlife]

Still think its the transmission. In neutral with the peddle up the input shaft is turning. With the pedal down it stops.
Mine does the same thing.

[TerryH]

My wifes car has a noisy TOB and all it takes is just laying a foot on the clutch pedal to quiet it. Hers sounds like crickets.

Do you have to depress the clutch fully for the noise to stop?