I posted this in the transmission forum but I think it was the wrong place.

I have a tapping noise that sounds sorta like a loose rocker arm but its coming from the TC/ flexplate area. It only does it under load not in nuetral or park. Is this noise something that indicates a broken flexplate? I have done a visual inspection and I cannot see any cracks. The torque converter bolts are tight. Anyone have any ideas? My experience with broken flexplates that they make a terrible sound not just a ticking sound.

 

I have broken as many as five flex plates in my life and can tell you they all sounded a little different when they first cracked.

Yes, a slight hair crack will start out with a little tick. All the way to a full spin grinding sound once completly spun.

I know it is a lot to do, but if you really suspect the flex plate go ahead and pull the fly wheel cover get a good light source and check it again for hair line cracks starting at the bolt pattern.

I usually break mine at launch.

Its a little work takes about six hours to replace with just a jack and stands.

 

Thanks I will dig a little deeper

 

Ok I crawled underneath it again today and unbolted the torque converter and spun the engine by hand and I still cant see any visable cracks. However, I did notice if spun the converter by hand watching it go by the mounting pads on the flexplate it is real close to the mounting pads on 2 of the holes but one mounting pad is about 1/8 of an inch away from the converter. could the flexplate be bent making my noise or is this something normal?

 

Stock, or aftermarket torque converter?

 

Its not stock but it is a 2500 stall that my tranny guy got me from his supplier. Its probably a daaco or something like that. The converter spins true.