Odd noise that I can't find source of

79 Midget

OK, I have this noise that is driving me up the wall as I can't find it's source. It sounds like a rattle and it sounds like it might be coming from behind the dash but not sure. It does NOT rattle at idle, neither while in gear or while in neutral, and no matter how high I rev the engine. It most often happens at higher RPM while going down the road. I can press in the clutch and the noise is still there. I can turn off the motor and it is still there - regardless if it is in gear (with clutch engaged) or in neutral. It does not seem to be related to anything motor, transmission or clutch related. I got under the car and can find nothing loose that would cause this noise.

I pulled the radio console thinking maybe the radio was hitting some metal but it still made the noise with the console out.

Any ideas before I pull the whole dash out?

Thanks

BOB

it sounds like it would be something to do with yourspeedo cable, check them to see if they happen to be loose or going bad. After that check to see if your speedo isn't bad

That is definitely a possibility. The noise seems to be coming from the tunnel.

Something hung in the front u joint?

Could it be your steering column?

One of the nuts holding the dash has worked it way loose. Try pushing on the dash it should move inward (if dash is loose). Also the mirror rod base at the bottom of the windshield the two nuts can work there way loose and cause a noise.

James

TT Wrote:

James74 Wrote:

Just a idea. The flapper in piece connected to my air cleaner. The piece has a hose connected to exhaust manifold. Mine rattles. I have 2 of them. I have tried both on the car and both rattle. Here you go part number 86 http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=29286
At least would be easy to test remove and see if noise disappears. Could turn signal/ hazard flash in radio console come out of that little square mount and be rattling. Good luck rattles can drive a person nuts. Maurice

the speedo cable does connect in the tunnel. But the u joint could be a possibility also. Depends on the pitch of the noise. A higher pitch noise that sounds like its coming from something that is weak or a more of a thudding that comes from something more substantial. Then eliminate things that it couldn't be. I like to eliminate first

Bob,
You're going to think I'm nuts, but I had the same rattle on my 73 Midget. Spent the whole summer trying to find it. Sounded like it was from the middle to right side of dash area.
I finally discovered that it was the passenger side rear corner of the hood! It was out of adjustment and rattled ONLY while moving which made it really hard to find. I put a piece of foam under each corner of the hood and the noise went away.
Hope this helps.
Fred

hey, i had this exact problem. ripped out the cd head unit, everythin. then drove along till it made the n oise under exceleration. i discovered that it was my dash. if i pressed down firmly on it, and i mean prettty dam firm, it stopped the noise. stil working on how to do this permenantly. let me know if you have any suggestions.
thanks
fergus.

OK, I have ruled out all mechnical possibilities. I have also ruled out the hood, the mirror and the dash. The only thing I need to double check is the flasher unit behind the radio console but other than that, any other ideas?

BOB

If you haven't already tried this, I would.

Unhook the speedometer cable from the back of the gauge and take it out for a test. At one time, mine made a rattle that sounded like it was coming from somewhere in the tunnel. It stopped when I unhooked the cable. Another possibility is something in a heat duct.

Check your heater box for the grommets that are supposed to go around the inlet/outlet pipes from the heat exchanger. If they aren't there or are significantly worn, they will cause the heat exchanger to rattle inside the heater box.

Does the odometer have a trip meter similiar to a B ? Mine wasn't fully engaged on my B and it sounded like a helicopter in the car.

Try pressing on each of the instrument glasses one at a time while the noise is heard. My fuel gauge glass sets up the most awful racket at times, pushing on it with my finger shuts it up. I mean I can hear that rattle even at very high rates of locomotion with the top down. The glass isn't tight in the bezel, so at some point I guess I'll have to take the instrument out to re crimp the bezel. Or maybe I'll try squeezing some joint sealer of some sort in between the bezel and glass from the front to save me taking it out.
FWIW