47RE Flex Plate Torque Converter

[holmanrd]

So in my quest to find a “hollow” ticking sound (or light knock) I was directed to check my flex plate to torque converter bolts.

That got me thinking could it be the flex plate to crankshaft bolts?

Does anyone know if I can access the crankshaft to flex plate bolts with the torque converter and flex plate unbolted? I don’t know if the torque converter will slide back enough.

Not looking to be able to fit a torque wrench in there, just maybe see up in the enough to verify they are not backing out. Or possibly fit a long end wrench in there to verify snug.

Any help is much appreciated.

 

[DavidC]

You can access the plate to torque converter but not the crank to plate. When something happens it is usually at the torque converter. Check bolts and look for cracks. Take along a LARGE screw driver to rotate the engine along with what I believe is a 5/16 socket.

Dave

 

[holmanrd]

Thank you DavidC, I will take a look as soon as I get home.

 

[holmanrd]

Well guys after taking out the bolts from the plate to the torque converter I couldn't get them separated enough to see a darn thing.

I did notice when the FP and TC were unbolted, when I spun the TC there was a click sound from the TC. It did it in two places when being slowly spun by hand. I looked at a ton of exploded views of TC but could not see if there were arms or actuators that would flop out and make that click sound.

Bolted it all back up, started the truck and still have the original clicking sound. Definitely louder with the transmission access cover off.

Thinking its either there in the back of the block or a TC going bad. Probably time to take it to a transmission shop before I just start throwing money at issues that may not be there.

 

[DavidC]

Sure it is not the fuel pump ticking ?. I drove a 93 ( I believe) at work for a few years that started ticking and it wound up being the mechanical fuel pump. I really do not remember the details. That same truck also had a cracked flex plate and it was no denying that sound as it was very loud. As far as turning your TC I know it has 2 slots that engage the trans. pump. The TC also has at least 1 clutch in it. Does it make noise when spinning by hand ? sorry but I do not know as I never tried it. Maybe someone here can answer that question.

Dave

 

[holmanrd]

DavidC, In trying to track down the click so far I have replaced the lift pump, replaced fuel filter, replaced overflow valve, adjusted valves and checked for exhaust leaks. With those ruled out I am now in the area of the trans/rear of block.

When the FP and TC are unbolted there is a clicking noise from the TC when I spin it by hand. It clicks in 2 spots basically across from each other.

 

[DavidC]

Injector line clamps ? After that I am out of ideas.

Dave

 

[holmanrd]

DaveC, I wiggled them and they seemed tight but I will definitely put a wrench on them tonight just to make sure.

I do appreciate the ideas. I have a habit of overlooking the obvious sometimes.

 

[holmanrd]

UPDATE:

Well it looks like I was on the wrong path.

Talking to a friend with more diesel wrenching experience, I went down the list of what I have checked or changed. He asked about checking injectors and I told him, “yes, I cracked the nuts and when they started bubbling fuel I tightened them, but the only thing that changed was a little stumble, the knocking did not stop”. He laughed and said get a face shield and pull it out of the shop, your gonna get messy.


So last night dad and I head out to the shop. Dad on the ground and me up on the injectors lines. Started with #6 and bingo knocking stopped. Such an obvious change, I didn’t believe him. We switch spots and bingo again, crack #6 and actually let some fuel out and the knocking stopped.


Now to determine if it’s an injector issue or if it’s an issue with the cylinder/piston/crank etc.


I think I will switch #1 and #6 injectors to see if that does anything. Praying it is just injectors but preparing for the worst. I sure don’t wanna think about what I’m gonna need to sell to do a long block in this truck.

 

[holmanrd]

I found the problem.

Lost a piston ring at the #6 cylinder.

Gouged the piston pretty good and scored the heck out of the cylinder wall.

Well poo!

 

[DavidC]

Sorry to hear that one. Sleeve time ?

Dave

 

[holmanrd]

I have a buddy with a machine shop I will be deferring to. The scratches look too deep to hone so we may be able to get away with a minor bore job. If not hopefully he will know how to sleeve it.

Built small block and big block gas motors before never a diesel so I am in for an education.

Hope I don't mess it up it's a bit more expensive and in depth than your run of the mill small block Chevy.