Low Rpm 1st Gear Ticking Noise?

OK-944 · 05-14-2019, 03:03 AM

A steady “tick-tick-tick” in sync with the flywheel which seems to originate from the clutch area - but only when in 1st gear…and then only when in low rpms, and only when I’m barely applying throttle. Sound goes away as soon as I give just a bit more throttle, and no sign of this in other gears…nor while in neutral.

P.O. did mention this but as it did not change over his year of ownership he just lived with it. My sense is that I can live with this until I do a teardown next fall/winter - but if its something that would be reasonably easy to address now, then I’d like to.

Lots of references (Clark’s, etc.) to “clicks and ticks” relating to clutch/trans/t-tube— but nothing close to what I’ve specifically detailed above.

Any ideas? Thanks!

OK-944 · 05-17-2019, 05:17 AM

Further Info: Ticking frequency roughly 500 per minute (half the crank speed?), and specifically noticeable at slightly higher than idle in first (and one time in second) gear, with the car moving slowly, with very slight pressure on the gas pedal. A bit more or less pedal pressure and the sound ceases. All other times there is no ticking. No ticking in neutral.

Location sounds like its just below the shifter, maybe a little off to the right (passenger side). Does not act like the sound is being telegraphed from any other location, although I know that this could be a possibility. Am thinking that it might involve the shifter linkage in some way - as shifting in this (new to me ‘87) car seems a bit less distinct than in my previous 85.5. Plus, there is sometimes a slight “click” sound (which I can also feel) as I shift from 1st to 2nd gear - which seems to come from just below the gearshift lever boot.

I seriously doubt that this has anything to do with wheel bearings and/or cv joints.

One other observation: When I dumped my trans fluid yesterday - I’d noticed that the top plug was on only finger tight, and the fluid level was about half quart below full. Old fluid was surprisingly clean for its age, with no sign of metal bits/shavings. Will be curious to see if new fluid (at the proper capacity) will make any difference.

As always…any comments/thoughts/ideas are most welcome. Thanks!

mytrplseven · mytrplseven's Garage

I'd recommend checking the ref and speed sensors. I had one that was adjusted so close to the flywheel that it was rubbing the teeth and made that sound. The sensor eventually failed due to physical damage. It should be 8mm clearance. See Clark's Garage for specifics on the adjustment procedure.

kdjones2000 · kdjones2000's Garage

0.8mm clearance...

OK-944 · 05-17-2019, 07:22 AM

But if it were a flywheel (to ref. sensor) issue then I'd think that the ticking would be more consistent, and in cadence with the crank which rotates twice as fast as the ticking interval.

Although as for consistency, I could see how the configuration of the flywheel might actually change on a "micro level" depending upon stress variables as experienced at different engine loads, and that a ref. sensor placed extremely close might interfere with this. But with the noise level of this clicking (its very distinct) and as the P.O. lived with this for the better part of a year...I'd think that a ref. sensor under such conditions would have given up the ghost by now.