Man let me tell ya, the old '64 truck with the 292 is running really REALLY smooth now, with the completely rebuilt front end, new clutch, and rebuilt transmission! It feels nice and tight and corners great!
_____

Since I first got the truck on the road, I have occasionally noticed a constant screeching/whining sound coming from somewhere around the bellhousing area. I don't want to say the clutch area because I'm not sure that that is where the screeching is specifically coming from. It only screeches a lot particularly at high RPM's. The clutch, throwout bearing, and transmission are all either new or rebuilt within the last few months. However, this sound has kind of always been there since I first began driving it. When I push the clutch in, it stops. When I let it out, I don't hear it. But whenever I'm like first or second pushing higher-RPM's, it becomes pretty audible.

As best as I can describe, it's a continuous screeching/whining noise. I wonder if I don't have something lubed up properly? Or just something else I'm missing? The sound is beginning to get somewhat irritating...

Anyone with advice, help, or suggestions; I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

 

My guess would be the piolt bushing. I had to change mine several times to get it to quite. It would spin around because the old one wore reamed out the opening so the new one was too loose. An old time mechanic finiall got out the hammer and chisel and "roughed up" the opening and then everything setted down. Let me guess, you dont really hear it when the clutch is in (puts pressure on the bushing and it does not turn) but when it is out and it sounds worse the faster you go. At least that was my experience, hope it helps.

 

Check your drive belts for tension. I had one that drove me nuts until I installed a new water pump belt of the correct size.

 

Come to think of it, the pilot bushing IS the only part I didn't replace since it didn't come with the clutch kit. And you're right about the faster I go the worse it gets as well as when I push in the clutch the noise stops. I think you might've just solved my problem...

You might be right too. I know that my belt isn't as tight as it probably should be.
_____

Thanks a lot for both of your responses.

 

May be wrong, if noise stops when clutch pedal is depressed then don't believe it would be the pilot bearing, if recall, nose shaft is engaged full time and it's the clutch that disengages drive shaft from flywheel. Imagine, under a load the pilot bearing could make noise, but would seem more likely component that rotates when clutch is engages.

dave

 

Brings to mind, maybe check your clutch arm pressure to the throwout bearing. it's possible that the tension on it is set a little tight and the carrior bearing is up against the pressure plate and always turning. there should be a little bit of slack or play in that arm when not in use. just something else to check while your diggin around under there. Dutch

 

Good idea. I'll go check that out right now.

 

I can't believe nobody has suggested making the wife/girlfriend get out of the truck when you drive it. Oops did I just type that out loud. Damn Valentines Day is gonna pricey this year.
OK all kidding aside sounds like the TO bearing is dragging on the pressure plate. Try adjusting a little more freeplay in it and check your pedal return spring.

 

I can now confirm that it is NOT the throwout bearing that is causing the screeching/whining noise. The clutch engages halfway down pushing the pedal. Plenty of extra play in there.

However, oddly enough, in more recent times driving the truck around, I haven't heard it at all! Either what it was broke off or something finally got some lubrication...

I have a new pilot bearing that I suppose could replace the old one, but that would mean tearing everything out again (tranny, clutch) just to get to it... Gah.

 

Did you resurface the flywheel? The noise may be no more than the clutch face slipping against the high polish of the old flywheel. Since the noise has gone? I'd think the clutch finally mated up better with the flywheel. It's the opposite of glazed disc brake pads. Which squeal when you let off brake and stop squealling when you apply brake. But, same idea. If, sound is gone and stays gone? You've nothing to fret over.

David
1956 DeSoto Fireflite 4dr. 322 Nailhead/Dynaslush
1958 Edsel Pacer 4dr. 430 Lincoln/Cruise
1966 F100 LWB. 472cad/TH400
1968 Galaxie 500 390/C6
1973 Ranchero 500 302/FMX
1980 Plymouth FireArrow. 2.6/5spd

 

Makes sense. That might be it.