Hey guys.

Just looking for some more experienced input on this.

So I finished dropping my transmission and replacing my seal behind the torque converter.

After putting everything back together, I started the jeep and I could hear a loud rythmic clanging noise.
After turning it off, I looked under the jeep again and saw that the flex plate teeth had some damage. I then suspected either the flexplate or the starter wasn't alighned properly. I then noticed there was a slight gap between the bellhousing and the engine maybe a couple millimeters either side.

I tightened the two bolts up so it mated flat again. Took the starter off and had a look. Seemed fine. Put it back on and tried to start it again.

This time I heard a metallic "shing" noise as if the starter was missing the flex plate. And the engine wouldn't turn over.

What do you think is the problem here? Bad flexplate? Am I going to have to drop the tranny again, or will I just need a new starter?

What tests should I do before throwing money at new parts.

Thanks guys.

 

After an hour or two of research I'm thinking the starter solenoid isn't engaging properly with the Flexplate.

The wiring to the solenoid is pretty suspect so I'm gonna see if I can sort that.

failing that I'm gonna pull it out tomorrow and see what it does outside of the jeep.

 

you are probably going down the right path.