VT ring gear problem??

[phatvtcom]

Over the last couple of days I've had a whining noise coming from the engine every time i start her up. Conveniently she decides to not kick over at all being stuck in my drive way. Now it's just a loud crunching, whining noise coming from the right hand (passenger) side of the engine and I'm suspecting the worst to possibly be the ring gear. I've had the starter motor replaced about two years back with a brand new one so I don't think it's that but I'm hoping it is.

Anyone had the same problem or suggestions on what it could be and if it's a ring gear/ Flex plate how big of a job is it? I heard the tranny has to come out :-(

 

[dirty hands]

ok i was half asleep

 

[graham7773]

the ring gear is welded to the torque converter

I don't understand "welded to converter" just about every automatic transmission in every car I have owned the ring gear is welded to the drive/flex plate then bolted to the converter. Still a transmission out exercise though. Or was that a "typo"? Extra, if you have had or owned a ford esp falcon6, you probably know about ring gears being eaten by the pinion gear on the starter motor. Almost as bad as blown head gaskets with them. OP, it just might be the starter not disengaging from the flywheel. Was the starter reco or new? If reco, do not go back to them.

 

[dirty hands]

yep have a laugh epic fail

This is what happens when guys are in different car forums

and dont engage the brain

 

[ari666]

the ring gear is welded to the torque converter

so out comes the gearbox .. or get a s/h torque converter with good ring gear
you could buy a ring gear and have it welded to your own T/C is another option

LOL^^^^ all of that stuff


.

 

[ari666]

take your inspection plate off and have a look at the ring gear before you decide to do anything else. grinding noises could often be the planetaries inside the starter motor. piece of piss to swap a starter yourself.

 

[dirty hands]

its welded to the flex plate

cant find a price of the ring gear

or how much to weld it ...so maybe they do reconditioned /exchange or something

 

[graham7773]

VT, VX V6 FLEX PLATE on ebay 1 is $42 and the other is $56. still way cheaper than a new one

VT, VX AUTO FLEX PLATE in Vehicle Parts & Accessories | eBay

starter motors from $70 to $135 brand new, $135 one gives 5 year warranty
VT, VX v6 starter motor in Vehicle Parts & Accessories | eBay

Just by the way, Mc Grath Holden Liverpool NSW just quoted me $330 for a new flexplate. Said they have not sold one for years. I wonder why?