Throw out bearing is the first thought to come to mind. With the
engine running, and the gear in neutral, try pressing the clutch in
and out. I'm going to bet that you'll only hear it with the clutch
pressed in (and perhaps not even all the way, but just lightly pressed.)

On Jul 3, 2009, at 8:40 PM, Harold Teer wrote:

> My wife are on our way from Virginia to Newfoundland and are now in
> Brattleboro,Vermont heading to Maine.  I just noticed a new sound
> from our
> 91 Westy and am wondering if anyone can give me a best guess as to
> what may
> be causing the noise.  I have Larry's list of shops on my computer
> so can
> access it to find a shop but wanted some ideas before hunting for a
> shop
> next week.
>
> The transmission shifts easily and the van is running great.  The
> transmission fluid has been changed every couple of years and it was
> changed
> before this trip.  However, sometimes when I put the clutch in to
> shift from
> 1st to 2nd and from 2nd to 3rd, a metallic sound momentarily emits
> from the
> rear of the van.  After I get the van in the next gear, the noise goes
> away.  Once or twice, the noise continued for a few seconds after
> the clutch
> was released.  The noise does not happen every time I shift and I
> think it
> is related to the clutch and not the transmission itself.
>
> Ideas and thoughts appreciated,
>
> Harold
> ___
> Harold Teer
> 1991 Westy (Vangaux)
> Harrisonburg, VA