How are you supposed to inspect the flexplate and torque converter on a pinto with an auto trans? On the chev's that im used to working on, there is a cover on the bottom that unbolts and reveals the flexplate/torque converter. On this 79 tho it seems as tho the bellhousing completly encases the flexplate and torque converter. Usually when i work on a transmission, i stick the converter on the trans so i am SURE without a doubt, that the converter seats in the trans properly, then i stab the trans up, and bolt the converter to the flexplate once its on the trans. Unless there is a cover there that i cant see, then that is not doable on this setup (which also means i think it is junk :D)I do see this socalled plate i speak of, but if its anything like the ones used with the manual trans you cant remove it without removing the transmision first. Am i missing something here or what? Anyways the reason i am needing to inspect these items is that there is a nasty little knock that sounds like a rod knocking. However, i am finding it hard to believe that a rod is going to start knocking on a 97,000 miles 2.3 for absolutly no reason as it supposedly did back in 1991 when it was parked. There are many things that can produce a knock that youd swear is a rod. A loose, cracked, or broken flexplate or torque converter are two things that can do that. Id like to check that before i decide to yank the engine and transmission out of this car.
The Pinto auto bolts up the same way, i.e. insert converter into transmission, bolt transmission to engine, bolt converter to flex plate. You get to the torque converter bolts via small 2"x5" access panel in the dust shield (the plate between trans and engine). Note that manual trans dust shield does not have this access panel.
Another source for a tapping like sound is possibly a exhaust leak. Some 2.3's have a small hole drilled in the head just below the exhaust port that intersects the exhaust port. I had a exhaust manifold that did not seal up against this drill hole, creating a exhaust leak that sounded like a tapping.
Hello pintoguy76,
As U most likely already know??? I had a rod knock noise on my Green 72..
I would have sworn it was a rod...
It turned out to be a blown head gasket...
Hope U find the problem soon.
I like oldkayaker answer... someone may have changed your inspection plate to a manual plate.
From Pintony
This is waht an Auto. trans. plate should look "TYPICAL" Pinto
I am hoping its just a converter bolt or something. I'll definantly post when i find out. If i must pull the engine i'll check the rods if i dont find anything ill check the head. I suspect a rod, since i bolted a new fuel pump up, and then when i couldnt get it to pump fuel, i started the engine on an electric pump strait to the carb then reached down and put my finger on the inlets and outlets on the pump to see if i felt anything. I did but not sure it was enough. Anyways, id swear i "felt" the knock while my hand was down there. That is why i suspect the #1 rod. Thanks for the reply. I'll look at the access plate closer tomorrow. I didnt see anything like that when i looked today tho... somone could have changed it i guess. i hope not. But if they did...maybe they didnt get something all the way tight..and all ill have to do is take it apart and put it back together. Thatd be sweet too. :D