Newly rebuilt 292 engine. New clutch, starter, pilot bearing, throw-out bearing, and resurfaced flywheel as part of build. Ran engine for about 10 miles after initial break-in. No unusual noises during that period but then started hearing loud grinding/metallic noise at idle and while decelerating while going down the road. Noise diminishes and largely goes away when rpm come up (harmonic?).
Oil pressure fine (40 psi), water pump, engine top end, fuel pump all check fine. I thought Saginaw transmission was bad so removed, checked, reinstalled a rebuilt Saginaw- no change. While transmission was removed I rechecked the throw-out bearing- looked/felt perfect. Clutch looked ok although hard to really see everything. Noise/vibration sounds like it is emanating from the clutch inspection cover area.
Of note, while engine is running the noise lessens/changes when clutch pushed in but still have some noise.
When engine barred over by hand in neutral I can feel some roughness and noise but when I do the same with clutch pushed in the "roughness" and noise go away (all I feel is engine going through compression strokes).
Any ideas or other recommended checks? Thanks.
