This may be obvious to some of you, but I have no clue. About a month ago, my 1983 automatic, started "clunking. It was quiet at first, now much louder. The engine still seems to run fine, and the clunk is there whether moving or not. I originally thought is was a vibrating exhaust system/muffler, but that is NOT it. Oddly, either when moving or not, the sound gets quieter when steered to the right! loudest when steered to the left.

My guess is something internal to the engine, but I actually have no clue. Any ideas? Thanks...

 

power steering pump?

 

first look under the car from the front see if the oil pan is hanging below the front crossmember if it is then you probably need new motor mounts.( by more than an inch)
That said also look at the power steering lines where they attach to the inner fender( next to the exhaust manifold) make sure the clamp is in place
Check the PS belt tension and see if the pump is loose on its mounts.

 

i think it is motor mounts!!!
After lifting the car, the noise stopped!!! I saw the stops on which the engine touches when the mounts settle...hence the sound.

Next move, learn about motor mount replacement!

Thanks guys...

 

See Dwayne's garage for how to do this. Can probably do it in a day if you stick with it. First time took me 9 hours to do mounts and oil pan. Can easily do it in 3-1/2 now. We did do one in under an hour down in TX with 4 guys and a lift.