Engine will not runover...just whinning sound

[mmmdodgeram]

Pre-story...my truck's tansmission was recently replaced but when I started it it made a clanking sound. I took it back to the transmission shop and they said the crankshaft bearings might be loose and causing the crankshaft to rattle. They were not sure but it was their "good guess." They suggested a new engineor good used one. After a new transmission I couldn't afford that so I drove it like that. Today I went somewhere and it satrted fine except I heard a weird sound(whining sond like when you start it when it is on already.) I got to my destination and it made the same whining sound but it would not turnover atall, almost sounding like the starter was the culprit. I also have a P0420 code but that is just my rear O2 sensor, could that cause it to not start? Help guys, any ideas?

It's an '02 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 QC 5.9L

 

[Ricks Ram]

Did you ever notice a clunking noise before you had your transmission rebuilt? If not I would question weather or not the noise is related to something that they did. It could be a bad torque converter or a loose torque converter bolt or possibly the starter is hanging up. There are tons of things it could be. There are several moving parts on a vehicle so is almost impossible for someone one to diagnose it without seeing it. I have heard catalytic converters make clunking noises that sounded like an engine knock. I would take it to a different shop that is highly recommended and have them give you a diagnoses.

 

[mmmdodgeram]

I will heed your suggestion and get a second opinion as I Don't trust these guys who replaced the transmission. Thanks for the quick response.And no clunking before the transmission swap.

 

[justin13703]

If when you hit the starter, all you get is a whirring type sound and the motor doesn't crank, chances are the starter is spinning but not popping out and engaging like it should.

As far as the motor, it seems a little strange that you go in to get the trans replaced and you come out with them telling you that you need a new motor now. Definitely get a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th opinion.

 

[JAMMAN]

Pull the starter and take it to a local auto parts store, most of them have bench testers they can see if the gear is popping out properly.

The starter may be loose also, that will be obvious when you start to remove it if true.

While the starter is off look at the teeth on the flywheel. You might have a gap in there.

I would bet heavily the clunking you heard is related to the starter not engaging. It might have nothing to do what so ever with the transmission swap starters can screw up.

 

[sylver91]

If this only started to happen after they put the transmission back in, chances are they might have put the flex plate on backwards if they removed it making only a partial contact with the starter gear.

And seriously, loose crank bearings? That is some real BS If I ever hear it, sounds like someone F'ed up and doesn't want to admit it. If you can manage to remove the starter, the ring gear might be chewed to hell. If thats the case I'd take it right back to them to fix it and install a new flex plate properly, not flip it around. Hopefully they have some sort of integrity to do the right thing. Either way if the noise wasn't there before they should at least offer to diagnose it further without charge and fix it if they did mess it up.

 

[05daytona]

I'm with sylver91 on this one. They're blowing smoke up your ass because they have no integrity, period. Either take it back and make them do it right or have somebody else do it and send them the bill. If they don't want to play they're going to pay. You file a complaint with the BBB, then with the small claims court. Don't take any **** and fight if that's what it comes down to.

 

[JAMMAN]

Perhaps they are talentless and incapable. Mandating them to do it right or to touch it again at all might end in the vehicle being in even worse shape or other things falling off they did not tighten or didn't know exist.

Filing reports and complaints yes if you must, raging and forcing them to do something they obviously don't know how to will end not so well usually.

Take it somewhere else.