Anyone ever heard a loose TQ convertor?

[LeddZepp8687]

I got this funny underhood noise... Doesnt sound like rod rock but I dont know what else it could be... I used a stethoscope on all the accessories and tensioners. Doesn't seem to be belt related.. Checked the top end and doesnt seem valvetrain related either.

The only thing I could think of is that during this recent trans swap the nuts weren't tightened enough.... But I loctite'd them and cant imagine why they'd be loose. This noise became evident after a day at the track, but I only made 4 passes. The motor still runs strong, And I havent seen the red light of death, and the oil looks great. I've only put 600 miles on it since I swapped the trans in august and it seems irritating something is wrong so soon.

Who has heard a loose convertor before?

TIA!

 

[HotRodKid]

a loose converter sounds a bit like rod knock, but tends to make the noise during tranny events. (shifting, parking, engine braking) and would also make noises when starting the car and shutting it off

Somedudes nuts came loose on the turbo sho at one point, and we had a **** of a time figuring it out untill the day it made the noise anytime the engine was running.

in his case, he tore out all 4 bolt holes in the flexplate and beat the converter case standoffs into oblivion. had to be sent back to FPS for repairs

 

[LeddZepp8687]

Its making noise at idle and just for a split second when your accelerating from a dead stop. also if you rev, makes noise just as it leaves idle speed.

The noise isnt all that loud but I dont wanna trash my nice convertor, if that is whats wrong with it.

 

[SHO#7]

A cracked flywheel will also make a rod knock type noise.

Mike

 

[LeddZepp8687]

A cracked flywheel will also make a rod knock type noise.

Mike

Im gonna pull the starter and inspection sheild tonight and took a look at this thing... Thats all I can do.

 

[HotRodKid]

if its making noise it might already be to late. in the case of rod bearings knocking, the bearings are soft material compared to the crank, so cranks dont suffer much if any damage, but when your talking about 2 steel items like a converter and a flywheel, noise = death for both

 

[pjtoledo]

loose flex plate to crank bolts can make the noise you describe

 

[Mr Anonymous]

FWIW, properly installed torque converter nuts (on SHO's anyway) don't require Loctite. They are a prevailing torque nut (meaning they are deformed so as to be their own locknut) and should never loosen once tightened down.

Let us know what you find.

 

[krednjen]

Not sure of the technical reasons, but wrist pins, and deformed piston skirts, act exactly as described, and can hold up for some time, before letting go. Cracked flexplates (the flat flywheel) are usually quite noisy, and can be pinpointed from under the vehicle.