Need help squealing/grinding noise

[72again4x4]

5.3 mated to th350 transmission, has the spacer and dished flex plate. Transmission is used, got it off of Craigslist with unknown miles. PO said ran and shifted fine. I did drain 2 quarts out of the transmission when I got it due to fluid coming from the dipstick hole. I never separated the torque converter from the transmission. The entire unit came to me in original used condition mated together 350/350/205.
I’ve taken my time getting everything together for the LS swap and my hope is that it’s just the spacer squealing on the torque converter or something simple. Am I thinking of that correctly or would those two pieces move together?
Upon inspection, there is nothing visible between the flex plate, torque converter and back of the engine.
The starter easily turns over the engine with the gear returning to the housing and not hanging up. The flex plate doesn’t come into contact with the block or any other mounting surfaces.
Sorry, I’m really at a loss and any ideas/help are greatly appreciated.

[mongocanfly]

Torque converter should be solid to the flex plate..may need to pull it apart and see what's going on..
I got bit by a "good trans one time.. lots of work to install it only for it to be bad..
Can you unbolt the torque converter and slide it back, run the engine, and see if it still sqeals?..
If that's the area of the noise it may be the pump

[72again4x4]

The converter is snug to the flex plate. I'll try to get some pics later today after work. Thank you for the reply. I'll get someone to bump it around and re inspect all the bolts too.

[RustyPile]

Originally Posted by 72again4x4

The converter is snug to the flex plate. I'll try to get some pics later today after work. Thank you for the reply. I'll get someone to bump it around and re inspect all the bolts too.

With a flywheel turning tool you won't need "someone to bump it around"...

https://www.jbtools.com/lisle-23800-...07c7f26ced348a

[Accelo]

Have you started the motor?
Doesn't sound like it but I had to ask.
Assuming it squeal when turning over with the starter?
Did you have 1/8" or less clearance when bolting the flex plate to the converter?
Unbolting the converter and rotating the motor was an excellent idea.
Let us know how it works out.
Cheers

[mongocanfly]

the convertor ,when unbolted from the flexplate, should have enough clearance to slide to the transmission and clear the flex plate,, thisll allow you to crank the engine with the trans disconnected...if you unbolt it and its still jammed against the flexplate then you have spacing issue most likely...

[72again4x4]

Thank you both for the ideas. Yes, when unbolting the converter I can move it away from the flexplate and it will rotate easily on pump shaft. I will look again tonight after work for rotation while bolted and see if any binds up.
The starter gear will engage and retract without hang up.
I've looked up into where the flex plate is and can not find anything that would cause the grinding. Will see if I can grab a video too.
Thank you both again.
Roger

[Accelo]

Remove the belt from the engine. Eliminate one thing at a time.

[72again4x4]

Will do on the belt and Accelo, just saw your question. Yes I have started the engine and have it run.

[72again4x4]

Long day at work today. Going to get after it in the morning. I will post pictures and hopefully a video with the noise in question. Thank you all.

[72again4x4]

Updated view from underneath. Bolts look good, space between and around the flexplate/converter looks right.
I am noticing a new blemish on the starter gear. On one of the pics it shows a ring that I believe the flexplate is leaving.
Couldn't get a running video, waiting on a gauge for the pressure regulator and the system is discharged. Will have to get that when the gauge shows up.
Any opinions on the gear to flexplate causing the noise? In this regard, I would have to figure something out to shim the starter.
Thanks again

[72again4x4]

Rustypile, thank you for the tool link. I'm looking into that as well.

[72again4x4]

Oops.

[mongocanfly]

Well ...I can hear a little squealing noise that sounds like something rubbing..
Unbolt the torque converter, slide it off the flex plate, crank the engine, and see if it still makes the sounds...
Shimming the starter is usually needed when the bendix wont release from the ring..
If the bendix is pulling back , probably dont need shimmed..

[Jason Banks]

It does sound a little like a mechanical ticking noise, but it may be an exhaust leak?

[72again4x4]

Thank you both will look into both of these today and report back.

[72again4x4]

Quick update.
The spur gear on the starter was riding on the flex plate while the engine is running. Found a way to shim it enough to still have good engagement and fix the problem.
Thank you to all that replied and offered help. Really appreciate it.

[MySons68C20]

Great news thanks for getting back to the thread and letting us know!