Hi all, my wife's 2000 3.8L has a couple of problems. First off, it is knocking. I think I've narrowed it down to the flex plate, but can not be certain until I remove the transmission. Is there any special procedures to removing her automatic transmission? I imagine that it has the quick connect oil lines, that require the disconnect kit, but other than that is it fairly straight forward? The car knocks, but its a very tinny knock, sounds like it's coming from the bell housing, and changes tune when in gear with the brakes held. Anyone with any other ideas?

The other problem is the car cranks very slowly. It has a new battery, clamps, and starter. The only other ideas I have are the cables are corroded and need replacing. Thoughts on this please.

 

OK transmission is on the floor, and I can't see anything obviously wrong with the flex plate. I did notice however, that the tail shaft has about a half inch of deflection, and the the smaller of the two input shafts also has deflection, although not as much. should either of these move in any direction other than spinning?

Can I start the car without the trans bolted to the engine? Will it hurt anything? Thought I could bolt the starter to the engine, and fire it up, to see if the knock is still there. Has anyone ever done this before? Or will the lack of transmission cause the engine to be out of balance?

 

just checking in any luck?

 

Engine knocks. Going to attempt bearings.

 

are you getting a CELL? Most of the time when you hear knocking its a timing issue.

Matthew

 

What's a CELL? I used a stethescope, and it sounding like a bearing knock at the back of the pan. How do I check for a CELL?

 

Car is still in pieces, anyone else know what a cell is?

 

I think he mean CEL, which would be check engine light

 

No CEL. It just started rattling one day, then knocking the next. Then I tore the trans out and here I am.

 

Sorry wasnt paying attention. Meant CEL

Matthew