I have an odd problem. I have the regular "Chewy" clutch/flywheel problem where there is a clatter at idle, but lately my engine or tranny have been joining in. It sounds very much like a diesel at idle, even when the clutch is disengaged. A little throttle and the engine sounds normal, but a quick blip and the engine stumbles, then revs quickly.

So far I've put new spark plugs in, replaced an O2 sensor that was throwing a code and installed a Powerflex gearbox mount.

Motor mount, motor side:


Bottom of engine/tranny:


Does anybody know what the problem could be? I've run out of ideas.

 

with that much oil residue i would venture a quess that you are leaking oil from somewhere (this could potentially be a cause to your diesel idle)

 

Does it sound like a diesel or does it sound like a rock tumbler?
If the timing chain tensioner is going bad it will sound like a rock tumbler at Idle and very low rpm and will go away as you build oil pressure and rpm. (either it sticks a little and needs a little extra oil pressure to un-stick itself or the rpm of the motor removes the slack on the chain in that direction.)

My only thought.

 

The oil leak and sound are probably not related, unless it is low on oil. Clean all the oil off and run the car up on jack stands to narrow down the oil leak. Try to narrow down where the noise is comming from take a screw driver and put the handle to you ear and the blade to valve cover, supercharger, and oil pan (be careful lots of moving and hot parts) If you hear it through the handle you are getting warmer.

 

The engine noise has gradually disappeared after changing the O2 sensor. I haven't been back under to check on the oil.

It does sound more like a rock tumbler than anything else, but only when I let the clutch out. Is that the "Chewbacca" thing everyone has heard of or something different? I'll be sure to check on the oil source and listen to it on stands tomorrow after work.

Thanks for the replies.