Starting issues

1996 GMC SUBURBAN
280,000 MILES
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CAPTKCP
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I have been trying to find out what was causeing a clicking noise when my truck is running (neutral or in Gear) I thought it might have been the starter hanging up but it wasnt. after checking the starter the clicking started to go away and changed to a grinding noise I shut the car off and when I went to restart it it wouldn't turn over. The fly wheel is turning but the crank is not. I havent found any bolts in the fly wheel cover to tell me that they might have worked loose or sherd off. was wondering if you guys might have any ideas
Sep 30, 2011 at 9:38 PM
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CAPTKCP
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if the center of the fly wheel was to break out is it possible that it could have been making the click sound and that it finally just broke completely
Sep 30, 2011 at 9:43 PM
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RIVERMIKERAT
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There should be 3 or 4 bolts securing the torque converter to the flexplate/flywheel. If the starter is turning the flywheel/flexplate, but not the crankshaft, either the weld has broken or the bolts securing the torque converter to the flex plate have broken. Turn the engine by hand with a socket and ratchet on the front crank pulley bolt and have someone watch the torque converter/flywheel for movement.
Sep 30, 2011 at 10:00 PM
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CAPTKCP
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the torque and fly do move together when the starter is engaged but the crank doesnt
Sep 30, 2011 at 10:04 PM
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RIVERMIKERAT
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I think we have an issue with semantics or word usage. A flywheel is typically considered to be used only with manual transmissions. A flexplate is a cross or 'X' shaped piece that bolts to the crankshaft and has the torque converter bolted to it. The toothed part I think you're referring to is welded to the exterior of the converter. Use a large plain blade screwdriver (or flywheel wrench) to rotate the converter. You need to check to see if the flexplate to converter bolts are still there. If so, the flexplate to crankshaft bolts have sheared, or (way less likely( the crankshaft broke.
Sep 30, 2011 at 10:23 PM
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