Questions and Answers

Chevrolet Caprice Loud Tick When Cold Q. Hello, I have a 1977 Chevrolet Caprice with a 350 4bbl and a TH200 transmission. I replaced the transmission about 5 years ago with a Jasper remanufactured TH200 (I know I should have put in a TH350 or a 700-R4). I recently replaced the motor with a new GM 350. The motor is running great as is the entire car. The car also has P/S, P/B, and A/C.

The problem I am having is that when I start the car up on a cold morning, like November in Chicago, the car will make a loud ticking sound just after the motor starts, like a two second delay. The sound is coming more from the underneath of the car, not so much under the hood. The sound also appears to be coming from the area around the oil pan and torque converter area. It is in time with the engine speed.

After driving the vehicle a few miles the sound is gone. I can let it idle several minutes when cold and the sound will not go away. The noise is louder the colder the weather gets. The motor and transmission both function perfectly and the fluid levels are good. I'm starting to think there is something wrong with the transmission causing the noise. Any help would be appreciated.

Stuart

A. To determine if it's the motor or the transmission, you need to isolate them. This will require you to remove the cover for the torque converter or shield. Then remove the three torque converter bolts and push the converter to the rear of car so it doesn't rub on flexplate. Then wait till the next day and start it up. If the noise is still there, it's in the engine. It could be a crack in the flexplate or maybe the are loose to the converter. Good luck!