Clanking/Metal Grinding when starting!

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May 21, 2013 | 08:32 PM

truekoa

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From: Houston, TX

Clanking/Metal Grinding when starting!

When I crank the car, I get a loud clanking/grinding metal sound coming from under the car.

I've only cranked it for half a sec or two, didn't want to keep cranking and damage it more. The night before this happened, the car drove fine, there were no signs of any issues or anything.

The car is a 2000 Z28 with auto trans, no major modifications except for a cat-back exhaust, with about 160k miles.

Only major issue with the car is that I cannot put it into 'park.' I have to leave it in neutral and pull the e-brake. This happened after a trip from Houston to Lubbock and back, the trans still shifted and operated fine to my knowledge. I'm thinking the shifter linkage needs to be adjusted.

As for the cranking, I am thinking it is due to a bad flexplate, but could a bad flexplate keep a car from starting? I haven't gotten under the car to check for signs of physical damage - is there anything else I can check as well?

Any help is appreciated - Thanks!

May 21, 2013 | 08:40 PM

prokilllsx

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From: ohio

Does it crank as quickly as usual or does it seem to turn over slower? I'm wondering if you have killed your starter.

May 21, 2013 | 08:44 PM

Bama99z

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From: Muscle Shoals AL,

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I would definently start at the flex plate. Torque convertor bolts may just be loose or the flex plate may be cracked where it bolts up to the crankshaft. Good Luck

May 21, 2013 | 10:29 PM

truekoa

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From: Houston, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by prokilllsx

Does it crank as quickly as usual or does it seem to turn over slower? I'm wondering if you have killed your starter.

it cranks just as quick as it normally does; which is why I ruled out the starter. Plus i've never had a starter make this kind of sound before, imagine grinding a gear in a manual trans but 10x worse.

May 21, 2013 | 10:30 PM

truekoa

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Bama99z

I would definently start at the flex plate. Torque convertor bolts may just be loose or the flex plate may be cracked where it bolts up to the crankshaft. Good Luck

Let's say the flexplate is cracked; is there a chance that it somehow damaged my crankshaft and in turn damage the engine? I'm trying to avoid rebuilding/replacing the engine.

May 21, 2013 | 10:40 PM

sopes

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From: In the Sticks

I saw this one time in my wrenching days, The welds broke on the flex plate tooth ring and made some god awful noises. No internal damage done just a simple replacement. just my 2 cents