Hey Guys, I'm back with another question. I recently replaced the stock 11' clutch with a 10" clutch, pressure plate and flywheel in my '58 GMC. It's got a 292 in it that I just rebuilt and it's running great at the time but since I swapped out the clutch I'm getting a knocking noise like a rod knock. It's only on fast acceleration in neutral or whenever there's a load on the engine. It's unlikely that it's a rod because it's a fresh, meticulous rebuild and it just started when I replaced the clutch. (I also put in a smaller bell housing and starter for the 153-tooth flywheel but there's no sign of something hitting the bell housing or starter) The original clutch assembly was the larger 11" one and was a neutral balance -same as the smaller one I put in it. I changed them out to get it to wind up faster but I'm going nuts hearing the knock. I've run a stethoscope all over the block and it seems to be coming from the back of the engine and most prevalent at the bell housing clutch area. Has anyone else encountered this? Should I stick to the original clutch/pressure plate/flywheel assembly? Also, I forgot to mention that it's a '66 292 with the 6-counterweighted crank. Thanks for all your help!

http://pedaldoctor.com/images/Finished_292_Engine.JPG
http://pedaldoctor.com/images/Finished_292_Engine2.JPG

Somehow some flywheel bolts got loose?
Or your pressure plate bolts loose?
Or you have a defective pressure plate?
What RPM do you go to?

MBHD

I'll try this one more time.
my other ideas didn't gell after I reread your original post.

Did you put all the correct bolts in? Along with the correct lock washers?
The flywheel bolts use star lock washers, If you put split ring washers on them the heads might stick up too high.

You might end up pulling it back apart and looking for signs of contact where there should not be any contact.

You did torque the flywheel bolts to the correct torque specs? I know that sounds like a crazy question but a guy can get in a hurry or distracted and forget a step.

Ok first off Trash the washers period Use loctite.
IF you went with New ARP bolts They Tell you right
off NO WASHERS.
But i have to agree it sounds like the flywheel came lose also Check the dampener.Also one other
question DID you have the pins reinstalled? If
your 292 had them to start with?Some 292s had 3 pins in the crank.

Dear PD;

Those used 'lock plates' from GM, as I recall and NEVER use washers, as mentioned.

If you can't find the 'plates'*; go with ARP & follow their instructions.

Good luck.

(*) Patrick's may have them.

I once used a clutch plate that did not quite clear the crank bolts. The springs rubed sometimes, It sounds very much like what you are saying you hear. I got another plate, same part # and the noise went away. Pain!