Strange knock from 5 litre/trimatic

[Guzzoline addict]

I have a strange knock/tapping noise coming from my 5ltr/trimatic.It only happens just after i crank the engine and along as the engine doesnt start(it kind off sounds like dropping a small spanner on the bellhousing while losely holding it at one end).Has anyone had any similar noises coming from there 5ltr?

 

[soop]

Flex plate or torque converter.
Gearbox out eitherway.

 

[ari666]

maybe the starter badly adjusted and locking? as it disengages it snaps closed? i dunno. random description get vague answer.

 

[383 hatch]

Cracked flexplate. Very common on any Holden V8.

 

[mr j-man]

yeah mate mines got the same (308 tri). took it to me mech and he said either flex plate/converter or a prolem with the crank and starter....as the boys above said! does it happen when your drivin at normal speed or not? itl only get worse and louder. let me how ya get on with it....as im about to put mine to get it sorted?

 

[mr j-man]

hey soop! my rear main seal has gone too, aswell as the problem of the flex/converter!
the mechanic told me all this can be done and fived with only lifting the motor out!
what are your thoughts to this theory?
cheers

 

[383 hatch]

It CAN be done while it's in the car, but they will probably only do the lower half of the seal (rope seal is 2 piece), which might cure it in the short term but isn't the right way to do it IMO. The proper way to do it is to pull the engine out, pull the crank out and replace the whole seal properly.

Might pay to ask EXACTLY what they will do before you give them the go ahead.

 

[Guzzoline addict]

End up being the starter motor.Had a look today at it ,First i got under the car with a srew driver and cranked the engine(f*%k that was loud)but it didnt make the knocking noise.Then i unbolted the torque converter and spun it ,couldnt hear anything.Checked for cracks in the flexy plate,it seemed allright.Then i started cranking the engine and checking the starter every to time the engine did and didnt make the noise,sure enough every time it made the noise, the starter gear was really close to the flexy plate.