John,
I recently underwent a rattling problem in my 77 midget. Started
intermittent at first then got progressively worse. It was the Fan Clutch!
I don't know for sure if the 75 had a fan clutch but I think it did, and
when they go they do make a racket. Moss and others carry them for about
$200. Requires a gear puller to remove from front of waterpump. (and to do
this it requires removal of the radiator) Also requires removal of the
waterpump for re-installation because it is a press fit hub!
To check it out. With engine off, grab the fan blade and try to spin it.
If the fan clutch is OK it will move with smooth strong resistance. If its
shot, will move easily, may make bad sounds as you move the blade, won't
feel like smooth resistance but might feel like uneven resistance (gritty).
Hope this helps, good luck.
Dick
77 Midget.
-----Original Message-----
From: William M. Gilroy <wmgilroy@lucent.com>
To: John Gottstein <gottstein@erols.com>
Cc: 'Spridgets' <spridgets@autox.team.net>
Date: Sunday, August 29, 1999 10:11 AM
Subject: Re: Strange rattling - please help me!
>
>
>John Gottstein wrote:
>>
>> Hi,
>> I'm going crazy because of this rattling sound that suddenly started
coming
>> from my 1500 engine. It is a loud metallic hollow rattling that comes
from the
>> area of the alternator. During idle the rattling is sporadic, but when
I hit
>> the gas, the sound is constant, and intensifies with more gas going to
it. I
>> tightened the two front belts, but that didn't help it.
>>
>> Does anyone have a suggestion for what it might be? Mike Graziano
suggested it
>> might be the water pump. Would a water pump on the fritz make a rattling
noise?
>>
>> Thanks a lot,
>>
>> John Gottstein
>> 1975 Midget
>
>John,
>
>One way to find a noise is with a mechanics stethoscope. If you don't have
>one
>you can use a socket extension of a piece of broom stick. You just need
>something
>to transmit the noise to your ear. Whatever you use keep it clear of
>moving parts,
>since it would not be fun to have a broom stick driven into your ear. For
>the safety
>aspect the mechanics stethoscope would be better. Just place your
>listening device
>on the suspected rattle maker and see if you hear the noise being
>transmitted up the
>stick/scope. Good luck.
>
>Bill Gilroy
>77 Midget
>90 Shar-Pei
>
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