The Thrust Bearings > the sides of the Main Bearing shells were either marginal when used with the automatic or somehow wore over time. Usually, you only see Thrust Bearing wear with Std. trans. engines. Old Rule from a guy from the mid '50s about this: "When you pull an engine you want to run for awhile, throw in a new set of Thrust Bearings and front & rear seals > you won't regret it and you can sell the engine as a good runner later....... never use the same Throw Out Bearing > they're cheap enough and better than pulling the Trans. Twice." You'r rod bearings are taking a hit too, since they're being forced into areas and angles not seen before......... From: Teamamc <teamamc@xxxxxxxxxxx> Subject: Re: Clutch noise update To: mail@xxxxxxxxxxxx Message-id: <002501c5bf28$4d813e80$6500a8c0@quicker> Ok I have found out what is happening. The crank is moving forward when the clutch pedal is depressed very slightly. This moves the timing chain away from the timing cover. I remove the slight pressure on the pedal and the crank moves toward the rear of the engine causing the timing chain to hit the inside of the timing case. Am I correct in thinking there is excessive play in the main bearings . Is there an easy fix for this. Maybe space the alternator to-wards the front of the engine causing the belt to pull the crank forward. It wouldn't need to be much. Any thoughts Brien. NEW YORK eagle registry #501 eagle kammback registry