A while ago my 2006 e250 began to make a loud clanking noise when the engine was started. The sound came from the area between the trans and block (flexplate, tc area).

The noise comes when the engine is started. It is the worst in reverse, goes away when in neutral, and is heard a little in drive and park.

The noise goes away after a minute or so of driving or idling.
Did a little research and read that the flexplate is the probable culprit. I dropped the transmission today and I can’t find anything wrong. I have not taken the torque converter out but it seems in good shape and the flexplate is not cracked.

I am stumped, if anyone could help that would be greatly appreciated!

Link to video that seems to be same issue and noise

 

Anyone??

 

Sorry, there was a similar post and thought this was a duplicate.

Id invest in a cheap engine stethoscope, helps with some direction at times.. Sounds too high pitch for the rotating assembly, but taking an oil sample and/or cut open the oil filter if the engine is suspect or to prove out some failure potential. As well as a trans lube sample, and/or magnet check.

Also, a broken loose cat 'core' can make some pretty horrible rattles. A good thump on the case should produce a rattle if loose.

So, no cracks/breaks around the flex plate bolts?

 

I wish I did that before I tore the thing apart. I was certain it was coming from the flex plate area. Flex plate and bolts are all good and tight. No signs of any metal contact. I’ll bang the cats and see if there’s any rattles. Could it be the torque converter?

 

So, when did the noise start? Less audible to then what we hear now? Or came on all at once?
Not likely, but the trans shifts, ops were good?
Any damage that loud would produce trash and/or debris in the lube/oil.

 

Noise started a while ago and happened right when I started the motor and for a few seconds after. While standing still, I could shift gears and the noise would either worsen or go away. Typically it would go away in park or neutral but was worst in reverse. The noise would go away within maybe 30-45 seconds or driving. After then engine was warm there was no sound at all. Trans shifts and preforms as it should. The noise was worse on cold mornings. Makes me doubt it’s the cats as the noise changes depending on what gear it was in (park, neutral, drive)

 

 

I have heard that noise before.

Some noises can be described as singular and some as multiple. The noise in the video sounds like a multiple sounding noise.

If you cannot find any definite cause, suggest you check the vibration dampener (Crank Pulley). If the rubber cushioning comes out for whatever reason, it can produce that double sound.. Please let us know what you find , thanks.

 

ok thanks, wouldn’t it be clear that the sound was coming from the front of the motor if that were the issue?

 

Here is a short video I took, this is shortly after starting the engine. It goes away within minutes of driving

https://youtube.com/shorts/LjsR3mPdZ80?feature=share