Morris Minor Owners Club

I fired up my car today for the first time in decades (see my restoration thread). There is a nasty metallic knocking/chattering noise from the bell housing. This problem started 20 years ago and was the reason the poor car got parked up and forgotten about.

The noise goes away completely if the clutch pedal is pushed down. Any ideas what this is. Knackered clutch or something worse?

I doesn't seem to be anything to do with the engine.

This video might help.

If you remove the rubber bungs and peer inside - shining a good light in the other hole - while someone gently turns the engine over by hand (plugs out) - you may be able to see what's going on. Maybe just something loose rattling round - although can't see that would stop when you press the pedal. Is there an inch of free play on the clutch pedal -and a return spring fitted ? It's highly likely you will need to pop the engine out , unfortunately.

Rattly clutch release / thrust bearing ???

Yes - could be - if there is no return spring - hence the comment to check...

could be gearbox input shaft bearing,stops turning when clutch in in,so no noise