2011 high-mileage: new clanking noise. Video included. Please help.

[narcan]

Just the other week started noticing a clanking noise. Worse at cold, worse at low RPMs, but it doesn’t “march” to the engine or transmission. Sounds like when you have a nickel in a washing machine almost. Engine sounds good and drives normally.

Took it to a friend, he said “the engine is tired” and suggested I go to another shop but wasn’t really helpful.
Year: 2011
Mileage: 229,600
Rebuilt trans: 130,000
Otherwise up on most maintenance and no major issues.
No engine codes or performance issues.

 

[mikez71]

Engine tired huh?

Sounds like starter hitting flexplate.

They get real sloppy when old and worn out.

If that gear pops out of the starter, get ready for some real noise! That happened to an old sequoia of mine..

 

[j91z28d1]

Engine tired huh?

Sounds like starter hitting flexplate.

They get real sloppy when old and worn out.

If that gear pops out of the starter, get ready for some real noise! That happened to an old sequoia of mine..

I think you nailed

 

[narcan]

@mikez71 thank you so much! agree with j91, you nailed it. Currently sourcing quotes because I don't have the time or wherewithal to hoist a transmission and do the labor. Planning to replace the torque converter at the same time and commit myself to another 30K miles out of this bad boy! Really appreciate the quick reply, and wanted to thank you.

 

[Fless]

If it's just the starter no need to remove the tranny.

 

[OBSandaNNBS]

@mikez71 thank you so much! agree with j91, you nailed it. Currently sourcing quotes because I don't have the time or wherewithal to hoist a transmission and do the labor. Planning to replace the torque converter at the same time and commit myself to another 30K miles out of this bad boy! Really appreciate the quick reply, and wanted to thank you.

What @Fless said, start with the starter! (Pun intended). You are probably qualified to do it yourself.

 

[lspann3525]

sounds like something hitting the flexplate or cracked?

 

[Dustin Jackson]

engine sounds good, hope you got it sorted out

 

[West 1]

I had an older GM 1/2 ton 4x4 that cracked a flex plate. Sounded like yours. It was not completely broken but cracked around the middle allowing it to flex and hit things. An inspection camera might show it. I have not had a starter make that kind of noise. Maybe I have been lucky so far, it sounds like others have heard it from a starter failure.

 

[mikez71]

I have not heard that -exact- sound before, but called starter just because it's a common failure at our age and it sounded very similar, though it's usually a tinkling sound with the same cadence.

Flexplate is definately worth inspecting. Should be easy with trans pulled.

 

[alvocado]

Changing the starter is a 30 minute repair as long as you have ramps or jack stands to allow you to get underneath the truck. I do most of the work through the wheel well with the liner pulled back.