Two days ago when I started the engine a very, very loud metallic noise came on - sounded like two pieces of metal moving in opposite directions grating on each other.

The noise disappeared when I put the tranny in any of the drive positions. But it came on again when I switched to PARK or NEUTRAL, and, again, disappeared when in a drive gear. The car drove O.K. but when I stopped and put it in PARK, it started again.

Yeserday, the noise had disappeared entirely! I'm just keeping all fingers crossed that it won't return - but I wonder if any other member had similar experiences, or might be able to talk about the possible cause.

Take a close look in the area around the fan for any fresh marks.....just an idea....something is wrong...and its not going to fix itself.

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"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

Torque converter flex plate.


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I had a metal on metal sound that went away once i replaced the motor mounts (the second time). turns out that the aftermarket mounts i purchased weren't the best and some part of the exhaust was hitting the metal seat of the mount.

good luck

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Shifter bushings are also common wear items. Some combination of wear in bushings and mounts may have something pushed past adjustment limits. You might try disconnecting the shifter at the transmission and see if you can move the lever into the park position with your hand. Check all of the bushings and mounts while you are at it. Look for metal shavings or any other clues. After external causes are eliminated, service the trans and look for metal in the pan.

My thanks to all who replied to my quandary. But since the noise occurred on July 10th. it just disappeared entirely since then.

I just had this and my crankshaft pulley came off. The bolts had worked their way out and the pully was hitting the fan blades.

Mine was intermittant like yours until pulley came off totally.

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1982 300SD Light Blue
2002 Honda Accord SE
1974 Toro Wheel Horse Tractor
2000 Toyota Tundra Pickup

I'll second that...

if it is the flex plate, when it breaks its going to destroy the torque converter. Wonder how I know this?

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1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
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1986 190E 2.3-16
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1987 300D
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The flex plate(s) often cracks around the bolt circle...sometimes free wheeling the engine.....most times coming loose enough to 'clank' at idle, but jamb up under load......Wonder how I know this ?

The T/C bolts breaking loose is not the flex plate cracking....different problem.

Besides...why should it destroy the T/C ? Center nose still registers in the flywheel/crank bore ...sorry...I've only bin doing this for 45 years...seems I have a lot to learn.

Didn't SAY this WAS the problem....just a suggestion
See below....
"..................................... but I wonder if any other member had similar experiences, or might be able to talk about the possible cause."


My apologies....I have a problem with people who use superlatives.




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__________________
[http://languageandgrammar.com/2008/01/14/youve-got-problems-not-issues/ ]

"A liberal is someone who feels they owe a great debt to their fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money."