Torque converter ticking?

[Mnt86SS]

Just recently my 87 GN has developed a ticking sound. At first it gave me a minor heart attack, as it sounded like valvetrain noise, but lower in the engine bay. After throwing it on the lift and running it, it's definitely coming from the converter / flexplate area.

I disconnected the converter and started the car, and no more ticking.

So before I rip the trans out, I'm wondering if this is a converter issue or a trans pump issue? I was having problems with the converter not wanting to unlock at low speeds, even after replacing the TCC valve. And as I spin the converter while it's disconnected, I can hear a faint clicking noise.

The current combo on the car is:
TA49 Turbo
50lb injectors
Turbo tweek chip set for 16lbs on 93
LT1 Maf and translator
Front mount intercooler
No cat
3 inch downpipe with external Turbonetics wastegate
Walbro 255 with hotwire kit

Basically the usual GN bolt on stuff. The torque converter is stock. Supposedly the trans was rebuilt before I got it, but assuming it wasn't, the car has 83k miles on it.

What do you guys think?

 

[TurboTGuy]

Coverter bolt getting loose?

 

[LANDAU LIMITED]

My car developed a tick in the same area. I did the exact same thing. When I went to hook the converter back up my crankshaft went clunking forward. I threw a indicator on the front balancer and saw .038" endplay. I hope yours is something easy and not this but with the converter disconnected try prying the crankshaft back and forth.

 

[blackazz]

You might have a cracked flywheel .only way to find out is drop the transmission.

 

[Mnt86SS]

Coverter bolt getting loose?

That's what I was hoping for, but nope, they were on so tight I needed a 3ft breaker bar to loosen em up.

I guess I'll pull the trans tomorrow and see what's up.

 

[Chuck Leeper]

That's what I was hoping for, but nope, they were on so tight I needed a 3ft breaker bar to loosen em up.

I guess I'll pull the trans tomorrow and see what's up.

You didn't use a 3' breaker with the trans still in the car.......

 

[Mnt86SS]

You didn't use a 3' breaker with the trans still in the car.......

Noooooooo.....





Yes

 

[Mnt86SS]

So, I finally decided to pull the trans after getting sick of looking at the car on the lift, looking all depressed.

Found out want the clicking was. Good stuff!

 

[1986 Buick GX1]

Wow. It’s a good excuse to get a 3021 converter from Dave Husek.

TurboBuickPerformance.com

 

[TurboTGuy]

That'll make some noise alright!

 

[Chuck Leeper]

Check the end play on the crank.
This failure may have jammed the converter forward, taking the thrust brg out.

 

[GNVYUS 1]

Wow haven't and hate to see this issue.
I had a thrust go out and the Vigilante still had the hub snout so this is in deed in need of an inspection while it's out. Check trans pump and teeth on pump while you can see in there.

 

[turbocamino1]

Could this be a "stab depth issue?

 

[Mnt86SS]

Could this be a "stab depth issue?

Who knows? I didn't install the converter that broke. When taking the trans down, everything looked normal. I did notice a slight crack developing in the flexplate, but nothing serious enough to cause that kinda damage.

I guess we'll see. I just wrapped up installing the trans with a new converter and flexplate.

 

[Chuck Leeper]

I did notice a slight crack developing in the flexplate, but nothing serious enough to cause that kinda damage.

Likely happened in the opposite sequence.
The converter beat up on the flexplate.

 

[Mnt86SS]

Likely happened in the opposite sequence.
The converter beat up on the flexplate.

That's a strong possibility. The crack was forming around the crank bolts.

 

[LANDAU LIMITED]

I'm curious, what did your endplay measure?

 

[Mnt86SS]

I'm curious, what did your endplay measure?

It was 0.008. I actually pulled the pan to replace the seeping gasket, so I got to really inspect everything. Was spotless internally.

Got everything back together and everything seems good. No strange noises, and no leaks.

 

[TurboTGuy]

"and no leaks."

It's not a Buick.... LOL

 

[LANDAU LIMITED]

It was 0.008. I actually pulled the pan to replace the seeping gasket, so I got to really inspect everything. Was spotless internally.

Got everything back together and everything seems good. No strange noises, and no leaks.

That's awesome