chirp, chirp, chirp - Update
 

The last time I started my A, this is the sound coming from my engine at idle (best way to describe it). Rhythmic and intermittent. Stops, then starts again as throttle increases.

At first I thought it was coming from the water pump. Now, I don't think so. Maybe a manifold leak?

I'll let you know what I find out. Working on it tomorrow.

Re: chirp, chirp, chirp
 

Possibly the fan belt.

Adjust the tension or with the engine off rub a small amount of candle wax on the belt to help diagnose. I'll probably catch heck for saying it though....

Re: chirp, chirp, chirp
 

Re: chirp, chirp, chirp
 

Possibly the generator needs a couple drops of oil?? :confused:

Re: chirp, chirp, chirp
 

I had a similar noise. It was a dry distributor shaft.

Re: chirp, chirp, chirp
 

Take the belt off and see if the noise goes away. This will narrow it down

Re: chirp, chirp, chirp
 

removing belt is always step 1 as Mitch points out. If you want to not do that I would not use wax, I would use a small spray bottle of water. And never use belt dressing

Re: chirp, chirp, chirp
 

I don't like putting anything on a belt as Dave mentioned. It usually makes it worse, or causes slippage especially on how loose we run them. That's not the cure

Re: chirp, chirp, chirp
 

I have had that sound twice just before a head gasket failed.

Re: chirp, chirp, chirp
 

Agreed with the above.

remove belt and see if its still there

Have a good listener try to pinpoint it

listen close - does it follow engine rpm exactly or does it just change or go away or come back etc.

theres about a million points where two pieces of metal come together on a model A so check for loose fasteners, splash pans, etc.

try it with it in neutral with the clutch out and in. my s10 chirps due to the clutch throw-out fork lightly resting on the bearing retainer. Barely touch the clutch pedal and it goes away - only chirps with the clutch out.

If you cant pin point it and its not the distributor shaft but sound slike sheetmetal start spraying suspected areas and see if it goes away.

Check the choke shaft too - i think someone not too long ago had a squeak from dry hard rubber rubbing on the shaft.

Re: chirp, chirp, chirp
 

My chirp was cured by greasing the clutch throw-out bearing.
Neil in Oz.

Re: chirp, chirp, chirp
 

I have heard a similar noise, first time was more than 45 years ago ... took a lot of trial and error to find it.

Sounds like a "chirp ... chirp "OR a metallic "Ching ... Ching" comes and goes.

If it goes away while troubleshooting ... stop engine and restart ...

1. Does it make the noise more often with the car pointing UP hill?

Engine idling while troubleshooting of course.

2. If so try jacking up REAR of car ... Should have less noise or it goes away.

3. When I have found this problem it was the Bendix gear on the starter hitting the teeth on the flywheel gear.

From OLD Ford Barn

Re: chirping throw out bearing? sound like a bendix problem.


[Follow Ups] [Post Followup] [Fordbarn Model A Discussion Forum]

Posted by Benson from h-68-164-105-249.dnvtco56.dynamic.covad.net (68.164.105.249) on Monday, June 01, 2009 at 8:35AM :
In Reply to: chirping throwout bearing? posted by modeleh/bc from ? (99.199.129.156) on Monday, June 01, 2009 at 0:09AM :

Sounds to me like it might be the Starter bendix gear hitting the flywheel.

If you have another starter the easiest way is to swap them.

There is a small spring loaded plunger (on the gear near the counter weighted part of the sliding gear) which is supposed to drop into another groove when gear is totally retracted. This holds the gear away from the flywheel while engine is running.

This plunger is INSIDE the bore of the moving gear that retracts when starter stops. The plunger rubs on the high part of the spiral on the matching grooves.

This plunger and spring is perpendicular to the starter shaft and about 1/16 diameter and 5/16ths inch long.

Many times the spring is broken or the plunger is rusted and stuck.

Benson

I used to have a photo of this but it got lost somehow.

Note: New design uses the black spring (at bottom of shaft) in this Bratton photo if spring breaks it will do same thing ...

https://www.brattons.com/stock-bendi...ter-drive.html

Re: chirp, chirp, chirp
 

Note many changes/corrections have been made to my original post since it was first posted at 0604 PM!

Re: chirp, chirp, chirp
 

A rubber hose can be used as a "stethoscope". One end to your ear and the other moved slowly about the engine bay. That can also help narrow down noises to specific areas. It should go with out saying don't get too close to anything moving like the fan blades!

Re: chirp, chirp, chirp
 

If all else fails, try bird seed on both running boards ....... even though it may not work, you will at least have peace of mind that you did all you could.

But, on a serious note, do not rule out sheet metal like maybe the metal hood or front fender vibrating metal to metal & rubbing.

Re: chirp, chirp, chirp
 

I have had engine splash pans do that where the bolts were not quite tight.

Re: chirp, chirp, chirp - Update
 

Neil in Oz (sommcain) nailed it with his first post to Ford Barn!

Greased the throw out bearing and the noise went away. Happy.

Thanks Neil!

Re: chirp, chirp, chirp - Update
 

I was hoping for the bird seeds on the running boards .............

Thanks for your reply .... it helps everyone tremendously to find out what can cause chirping.

Re: chirp, chirp, chirp - Update
 

How does one grease the throw out bearing without removing radiator, fan, generator, clutch housing bolts, and detaching and moving motor forward from drive train?
Alan

Re: chirp, chirp, chirp - Update
 

The originals were greased by the fitting under the inspection. The carrier and bearing would receive grease. Some newer replacement bearings however can't be greased.