Did some more troubleshooting today. First I'll post a video clip for everyone's analysis:
98SE Engine Noise (3MB) The clip is only a few seconds long, but you get the idea...
Research done today:
- Tried different spark plug wires, just in case a cylinder wasn't firing (no change)
- Drained oil and checked for metal fragments with magnet (none found)
- Dropped oil pan (no metal fragments in pan and nothing strange-looking on the bottom end of the engine)
Other info:
- The CEL is NOT on
- In the few seconds I've let the engine run, it seems relatively smooth (but with that nasty metal clanking noise
)
Any possibility of this being transmission related? IIRC, I've always had the clutch pedal fully depressed the 4 times I've started it. I don't know if this info is useful, but who knows...
Suggestions welcome!
