I've been hearing noises for a while now coming from my 95 RMW. First it was a knocking sound. Of course the first thing I'm thinking a rod knock. Then after a while I hear a tapping noise (like metal on metal) that comes and goes but real noticable when engine is under load. I have the complete service records from previous owner and the transmission was replaced about 10,000 miles ago. Checked the flexplate bolts cause that were it sounds like the noise is coming from but all tight. Stopped by a repair shop and am going to have them check it out next week. They seem to think its the flexplate. In all my years and cars I've had never had that problem before. Has anyone else??
Handy, I did have an exhaust leak, the two back bolts on the exhaust manifold (drivers side) was loose. I thought that might have been what it was. I tightend those up and it seemed to take care of it but maybe it didn't.
I have had flex plate problems in a 1984 Delta 88 coupe. When that happens you get a clanging noise almost like a bell, and it is very noticeable as being inside the bell housing. There was NO doubt at all when it happened. TWICE! No wonder I don't have that car. Everything broke, and often.
Son had the flexplate bolts come loose twice on his 76 El Camino 350/350. Finally used Locktite to seal them. Sounded like an engine knock.
Besides loose flexplate bolts, flexplates can also crack. Once it propagates enough, it can make an ominous sound.
Forgot that. Son's flexplate cracked and that's why the bolts came loose! 1/4 mile drags might cause things like that to happen!
Just a thought, make sure your starter bolts are not loose, that was the problem with my 80 Colony, and the reason the owners sold it....mind you they were told the motor was shot....... I also would check the entire exhaust, 2 different celicas over the years, same problem...missing hanger on one, clearance ishue on the other. All above sounded like a engine knock
I checked the starter bolts and they were tight. I pulled up on the ramps and got under the car and listened. Sure sounds like the flexplate area but I know those sounds can travel all over. As stated earlier it started out as a knocking sound and seems to have turned into this tapping like noise under load.
I'm going with cracked flex plate too, the last one I saw was spidered right around the crank, they make a funny racket and you cant see until its all the way out. The louder sound under a load makes me think it could be that. A rod knock is possible I guess but it sounds like it's farther back toward the bell housing.
Having an actual stethoscope works well, one of the automotive ones with the extension, but then of course you have to wear a long white smock and look like you are important. If you don't have one, then use a long piece of wood, or a long screw driver, and being absolutely careful to not go near anything rotating (like the fan belts/blade etc) while it is running, hold one end to your ear and touching the other on various parts of the engine, trans, etc and see if you can pin point the noise. Over the years I've located a lot of noises by using either my auto stethoscope or a long piece of wood. It is surprising what you hear when doing this - sometimes a tad scary at what is going on in "there"
Isn't there a dust/inspection cover like on Chevys? Might remove the small bolts from it and look around and feel the flexplate bolts.... Make sure the engine is not running! Then start it and crawl under to listen again. Keep fingers and other bodyparts free of the hole. Still, if the flexplate is cracked the cracks may not show till removed. This area of the bellhousing is also a place to stick your stethoscope or screwdriver thing to listen. At least this may narrow down where the noises are coming from.
The last one I saw was like that too...and it was on my OCC many moons ago. That's why I brought it up. Replaced it with an SFI approved flexplate which is more robust.
Took the wagon to a shop today and it was a cracked flexplate. They showed it to me and it had several cracks around the center of it. I have to take it back because it act likes it's starting out in a high gear (like it's being held back) and has no passing gear. They backed the transmission out enough to get the new plate in so I assume something didn't get plugged back in or at least I hope that's all it is.
