slight clunk when starting car?

[Batman™]

okay, so search is our friend and all, but on this one i couldn't figure out how to word it to get what i needed. hence me posting.

just in the last couple days, i've started to notice that sometimes when i start the car, if it's been sitting hardly any time at all, 1-3 small clunks are coming from the passenger side of the engine bay. i mean i can hear them, and almost think i'm slightly feeling them.

now, i've come to the conclusion that it's one of three things. but which one i have no clue

1) throwout bearing is starting to go. but shouldn't i be feeling it more often?

2) engine mount is going bad and when the motor is starting it's slightly clunking (also the other night i did a third gear pull and when i let off i heard a clunk from the front of the car, making me think the mounts might be getting worn out)

3) crankwalk. this one is almost completely just me being afraid of the issues of crankwalk, and it haunting the back of my mind.

so with that, i need your advice. any help is much appreciated. if you think it could be something else please let me know.

 

[wolf20043]

My vote is on #2. When the motor mount starts to crack, it bangs off the steel mount. Not other ill effects, but noise?
Mike

 

[Batman™]

as far as i've noticed, and i still drive it the same, there are no other ill effects except the clunking noise

 

[robmea]

Agree'd ^ I would deffinatly check the mounts first. Just inspect them all and see what kind of condition they are in if you can tell and if they look bad then maby make replacing them a plan for the near future

 

[Batman™]

i'll give em a look in the morn. i guess chances are i'm going to go ahead an buy a set of prothanes.

 

[wolf20043]

i'll give em a look in the morn. i guess chances are i'm going to go ahead an buy a set of prothanes.

. Thats what we did.
Mike

 

[Batman™]

i guess if i'm messing with the mounts and all, it's a good time for a timing belt change, new water pump, and balance shaft eliminator kit. YAY FOR MORE MONEY SACRIFICED TO THE GOOD OF MY CAR!!!

 

[wolf20043]

Never a bad idea, especially if you are not too sure of the last maintenance. The mounts are not too hard, more time comsuming and tight spaces than anything.
Mike

 

[Batman™]

yeah it's all good. just going to do it all in one chunk i think. for the ease of it.

 

[andymoraitis]

Charlie,

Mine makes some clunk noises at startup, but only when it's cold. I've pulled the driver's side mount to look at it and it's torn so I suspect I have the same problem. Once the material becomes more pliable with heat subsequent restarts don't create the same noise.

Throwout bearings have a tendency to rattle and the sound changes when you put the clutch in. I don't think that's your issue here.

Crankwalk? Eh, not today but I would check for a separating crank pulley while you're doing the routine maintenance on the t-belt. I like to replace mine at around 60K since they're notorious for separating and knocking around when they start to wobble.

Enjoy the prothanes and watch out if you have any fillings that may rattle loose.

Andy

 

[Batman™]

Charlie,

Mine makes some clunk noises at startup, but only when it's cold. I've pulled the driver's side mount to look at it and it's torn so I suspect I have the same problem. Once the material becomes more pliable with heat subsequent restarts don't create the same noise.

Throwout bearings have a tendency to rattle and the sound changes when you put the clutch in. I don't think that's your issue here.

Crankwalk? Eh, not today but I would check for a separating crank pulley while you're doing the routine maintenance on the t-belt. I like to replace mine at around 60K since they're notorious for separating and knocking around when they start to wobble.

Enjoy the prothanes and watch out if you have any fillings that may rattle loose.

Andy

As usual definitely appreciate the input Andy. And yeah, those fillings should be fun.