Can someone help me? My '89 GT has 73,000 miles on her, and recently she's developed an annoying metallic rattle when I release the clutch - just as the clutch engages. It sounds kinda like a heatshield rattle. I am wondering if it could be the throwout bearing. The clutch itself doesn't slip, but this car is 16 years old (stock), but still in fantastic condition. Any help would be appreciated!

 

Could be a worn throw out that is scraping the "fingers" on the clutch diaphram?
I've had clutch "chirping" when the diaphram fingers get scored because of worn throw out bearing.
Any other "gremlin" activity? Look HERE for other possible noises/problems ?

My old Tempo had a heat shield rattle.... :bang:
I'm sure you've rev'd the engine with clutch engaged to rule out the heat shield rattle.. ?
edit: Then try holding the friction point on the pedal to see if you can duplicate the noise. :scratch: