This will work to pin down locations of noises sometimes.

Many times you are "Off", in where the sound is actually coming from.

If you think it could be a fan or motorized accessory, while the noise is happening, pull it's fuse or unplug it...just to eliminate it from the equation

To eliminate all belt driven stuff--or maybe some of the mechanical's of the engine....take the belt off for a minute or two, see if it persists....remember this may also drive your water pump, so do not do it for a long time!

And last, I get laughed at for this one, cause it ain't technical or nor does it require "ASE Certification"......but it will probably be the one that locates it.

With a 3-4 foot long piece of 1/2--3/4 heater hose or garden hose, cram one end in your ear, use the other like a stethoscope.

WATCH OUT FOR THOSE PESKY MOVING PARTS--THEY WILL PUT A HURTIN' ON YA!!!

When you described the "clutch thing", that sorta tends to make one believe your crankshaft may be "thrusting" fore and aft. Aft maybe a pulley or bearing rubbing. Fore, you are pushing it forward and relieving the rub.

I hope it's something really stupid, and a EZ fix

Let me know what you figger out!

The Medic

Answered by CJ MEDEVAC (expert)
6,800 answers provided