Scraping noise from engine
 

Hi all - when I start up my 1931 roadster, I hear a very audible noise that I can only describe as a scraping noise coming from the engine. It is cyclical and does not increase/decrease with engine rpm. There is no effect on performance, and after a few minutes it goes away and the engine sounds fine. I may not be doing the description of the noise much justice, but that's kind of what it sounds like. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

Re: Scraping noise from engine
 

You might start by taking the tension off of the fan belt and slipping it off the generator pulley to see if it is coming from that area of the engine.

Re: Scraping noise from engine
 

Use a broom handle as a stethoscope, see if you can narrow down where the noise is coming from. Careful around the belt and fan, if still makes it with the belt off trouble shoot with the belt off for safety purposes.

Re: Scraping noise from engine
 

Thanks - will try this weekend

Re: Scraping noise from engine
 

Check your private messages in the upper right corner of this webpage.
Marshall

Re: Scraping noise from engine
 

Hi all - Well, as it turned out, the noise had nothing to do with the fan belt, which seems to be fine. The distributor had apparently not been oiled recently, or enough. When I pulled out the oil pin and put rather a bit of oil into it, the noise all but went away. After driving it for a while, it was very quiet except under a load. I don't know if that will go away by itself after I drive it more, or if the distributor will need to be removed and rebuilt. Either way, that was the cause. Thanks much for your help!

Re: Scraping noise from engine
 

Add some more oil to the fitting on the dist.
Paul in CT

Re: Scraping noise from engine
 

Glad you found the trouble. Myself in your situation I'd be pulling that distributor and look it over.

Re: Scraping noise from engine
 

I once saw an adaption of a cup type oiler to a Model "A" distributor on this forum. For touring, the oil cup is a good idea.

Re: Scraping noise from engine
 

Your upper bushing may be worn. If you can move the cam under the rotor sideways at all, replace the bushings. Easy job.

Re: Scraping noise from engine
 

Thanks again. I'll get right on that bushing and see if it just needs oil or replacing.

Re: Scraping noise from engine
 

If you do not want to rebuild your own, here is an option, allows you to reuse some of the parts on your distributor. $40 + $35 refundable core charge.



https://modelastore.com/index.php?ro...&category_id=0

Re: Scraping noise from engine
 

Hi all - well, those who know better (i.e. all of you and not me) prevailed! I oiled the bushing inside the distributor and VOILA! no more noise at all - at idle or under a load.

Thanks again!!