Flywheel Is Contacting The Inspection Cover

[JCampbell]

'88 3/4 ton Suburban 4x4 - 350/TH400

I know what the noise is...the weight on the flywheel is contacting the inspection cover. What I want to know is "why".

Brief history...

I developed a hellacious knock about two months ago around the back of the engine/front of the trans. We pulled the inspection cover and after looking around and checking a few things, found that the weight on the flywheel was striking the front of the inspection cover. I chalked it up to hitting something on the trail that weekend that must've tweaked the I.C. just enough to cause the two to make contact. We swedged/clearanced the aluminum I.C. out away from the flywheel and all was well...until a few days ago.

The noise is back, and although it's not as bad, it's getting progressively worse. I know for a fact that it is 110% a result of flywheel/I.C. contact, but I'm not sure why they are making contact. When we had it apart the first time, we (one of the equip mechs at work and myself) checked to make sure the torque converter bolts were tight (yes) and that the flywheel wasn't cracked/damaged (didn't appear to be).

Anyone experience anything like this? Anything I may be overlooking? It's driving me nuts and I'm growing fearful that this may be an indication of a bigger problem.