Miata Mailing List: October 1997, Message #204
sponsored by



     



From: 	Nick Rayner <Nick_Rayner@Trimble.COM>

Subject: Mysterious engine noise

Date: 	Wed, 1 Oct 1997 17:45:24 +0000



While we're on the subject of mysterious engine noises, try this one:



I have a mysterious light, ticking/tapping noise, probably 3 or 4 times

per second (approx). When it happens its very steady, ie: doesn't seem

to speed up or slow down. It seems to be coming from the front half of

the car somewhere. Its pretty quiet - ie: I only hear it when there is

no other traffic around (and the top is down).



I can most easily hear it when I'm doing about 30 mph (or a little more)

and only when the car is cruising steadily - if I accelerate more, or

stop accelerating and let the engine slow the car down, the noise stops.

I only hear it while the clutch is engaged, ie: have been able to repeat

it by just revving the engine, or by pushing the clutch in and just

letting the car continue rolling.



Also, it seems temperature related. I don't hear it once the car is

fully warmed up, but also I haven't been able to hear it when I just

start out, ie: for the 1st mile. Then again this could be because the

road closest to home is quite rough. Anyway it definitely disappears

once the car is fully up to temperature.



Background: I have a fairly stock 92, with 30k miles and manual

transmission. Its just had its 30k service which included putting MTL in

the transmission, but I was hearing the noise previously (and still do).



Any suggestions? I'd love to find it. As you can probably imagine, it

bugs me somewhat.



Thanks.



N.



Nick Rayner

email: nick_rayner@trimble.com

http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/7049