I done did it now. Grinding noise

[Pawned]

I may have finally taken care of the leaky transmission. It is still up on the jacks and when I crank and start it, there is a nasty grinding sound.

At first it seemed to be a banging. I was worried that it may have thrown a rod bearing.
I finally got under the car and operated the starter and felt the engine oil pan and I do not think the banging was coming from there. I put my hand on the tranny bell housing and am pretty sure it was coming from there.

I had to remove the valve body from the tranny again to fix a couple seals.
Finished yesterday and just went out to see what was happening. I started the engine, it is now grinding something. Starting and running.

From inside the car, I sense it is coming from the starter area. I think my next step is to pull the starter. BUT decided to ask for ideas first, as removing the starter is a major project on that engine 318.

Any suggestions would be appreciated

Ed

 

[bbrroowwnn]

pull the inspection cover and see..maybe just flex plate to converter bolt or bolts came loose and backed out and hitting

 

[ScampMike]

well... it suuuuuure sounds like the starter - before you go removing it - make sure it's properly installed - as in bolts tight. IF you have to take it out - buy a mini-starter - period.

 

[TrailBeast]

Probably just a warped dust cover, as they are pretty darn picky about being straight or the converter bolts hit it.
Your description sounds spot on for a dust cover.

While it's running take a screwdriver or hammer handle/whatever and push the center of the cover right under the center of the oil pan towards the rear of the car lightly.
Betcha it changes the noise a LOT, and that verifies what it is.

 

[mccoymail]

i vote for trailbeast!! had that happen myself

 

[Pawned]

Kind of what I thought, but haven't been feeling 100% lately and sometimes I won't trust my own judgement. I have not let it run more than a couple seconds with the grinding.
If I am up to it, I will look at it again this afternoon or tomorrow morning

 

[Pawned]

I pulled the starter out of the housing but still can not get it out from the car without disassembling the steering linkage.
I looked for mini starters. I do not see how that is any easier to get it in or out of the car. Plus the cost is outrageous

 

[Pawned]

Finally got the dust cover off and reassembled everything. No Noises (that I do not want to hear)

Thanks all

 

[BIG-B-Barracuda]

yup that was my vote ... had same issue..... scary

 

[mccoymail]

Glad it's fixed. Now the question is dust cover or no dust cover??? Hum!!

 

[Pawned]

Glad it's fixed. Now the question is dust cover or no dust cover??? Hum!!

Dust cover. No bout a doubt it.
Ordered new one that is due here end of next week