I've got a 84 Z28 with a rebuilt(new) 350 in it. The engine only has about 100 miles on it. When I start the car, there is a squeaking & clanking noise down in the flywheel area. No, it's not a bearing, I went under the car with a stethascope and tried to isolater the problem, but no luck. I cheaked the torque converter bolts - all tight, I know the flywheel bolts are tight, the person that built me engine & myself torqued them down. If you look at the flywheel/TC assembly when it's running with the cover off it looks like it is wobbling, like its out of balance or something. The reciprocating assy in the engine was balanced. When I put the car in gear, the noise stops until I start moving. This thing has got me confused. I'd appreciate any help you could give my. Thanks alot!

--Nick

It sounds like a cracked flexplate.....VERY common. If not it's probably in the front pump assembly of the trans (not good).

Unfortunately you have to un-bolt the trans/converter to replace. You usually have to do the above to see if it is cracked also.

Double-check your starter to ring gear clearance, dust cover, etc. to make sure it's not something simple first. This JUST happened to a buddy; the trans shop thought it was the flexplate as they do so many replacements. In his case it was the trans itself. His wobbled too.

Good luck!
Jody

[This message has been edited by Camcojb (edited 02-24-2001).]

Sounds to me like your torque converter is going bad. They make squeaking and clanking noises when they wear out. The fact that the noise goes away when you put it in gear supports this theory as well. However, this doesn't explain the "wobbling" flexplate.....

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Justin
-1967 Camaro SS350

www-student.furman.edu/users/j/jtrauner

Does your torque converter use a bolt and nut like stock units? I had problems with a tci that only used bolts ,I added another washer and the noise stopped.

when you installed the flywheel did you go in a circle ir across like when changing a tire.... criss cross is the proper way.and torque at 3 settings, going in stages.

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My '68 Camaro (http://hometown.aol.com/Dougs68Camaro/index.html)
Doug G.
68 Camaro
406 ci.

Nick,
Did you have the converter out when you did the motor swap ? If so you might not have installed it all the way into the trans when you put it back in. If you unbolt the converter from the flywheel, you should be able to pull it back away from the flywheel about 1/4 inch, or at least far enough so that it will turn without hitting the flywheel. If you cannot pull it away from the flywheel, then it is not properly installed into the front of the trans, and has probably already done damage to the front pump. either way, it sounds liek the trans is going to have to come out to solve the problem.
Hope this helps,

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Bill Koustenis
Owner
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md