Not again! Tick tick tick

dannmarr · #1 11-12-2012, 08:38 PM

I replaced my flexplate about a year ago with the thicker one. I just had my exhaust redone with a new main cat and resonator. I drive on weekends only. But sure enough it's back! The ticking from the engine! It goes away at around 2k RPMs. Please tell me it's not the flexplate again! Could an exhaust leak cause this ticking?

dannmarr · #2 11-13-2012, 03:10 PM

It has been confirmed. It's the flex plate. My mechanic used a small camera to look inside and found the crack. Why did this happen? The last one cracked because the trans locked up and it was the original SVX flexplate (phase 1). This one was the thicker flex plate, phase 2 (I believe the Outback one).

1)Can someone guide me to which flex plate I should buy
2)Is there any necessary steps that need attention for the next install?
3)Anyone know someone who can do the install without breaking my bank?
Thanks!

I noticed that the original flex plate had less holes than the thicker one

Does this make a difference?

svxfiles · #3 11-13-2012, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannmarr

It has been confirmed. It's the flex plate. My mechanic used a small camera to look inside and found the crack. Why did this happen? The last one cracked because the trans locked up and it was the original SVX flexplate. This one was the thicker flex plate (I believe the Legacy one).

1)Can someone guide me to which flex plate I should buy2)Is there any necessary steps that need attention for the next install?
3)Anyone know someone who can do the install without breaking my bank?
Thanks!

I noticed that the original flex plate had less holes than the thicker one

Does this make a difference?

Do you have both alignment pins installed?

dannmarr · #4 11-13-2012, 03:26 PM

That was a questioned I asked my mechanic. He had an assistant do the job who no longer works there. Are the alignment pins (2) on the left and right side of the housing? We noticed the holes but could not see inside. Are the pins visible or are they deep inside those holes?

icingdeath88 · #5 11-13-2012, 03:38 PM

The alignment pins are on either side of the bellhousing and there are 2 of them. Sometimes they stay in the trans side, sometimes the engine side, pretty randomly when you take them apart. I'm not sure whether you could look at it from the right angle to visually check whether they're there. They are pretty important. When the engine and trans are separated while replacing the flex plate, make sure sure they are both present.

svxfiles · #6 11-13-2012, 06:15 PM

The webbing on the back of the engine block where the alignment pins go is about 0.55" thick.
The webbing on the transmission bell housing where the alignment pins go is just under 0.40" thick.
The alignment pins are about 0.867" long.
So, if the pin is installed, you SHOULD be able to see it from the back.
But, like icing said, just make sure that the pins are installed the next time.

dannmarr · #7 11-14-2012, 04:49 PM

I spoke to my mechanic and he believes they were put back in but they probably fell out!

I don't trust mechanics that don't admit their mistakes. I might as well pay extra and have the whole Trans checked at a Trans shop.

1986nate · #8 11-14-2012, 06:42 PM

it's impossible for them to "fall out"

svxfiles · #9 11-14-2012, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1986nate

it's impossible for them to "fall out"

What He^ said!
They have to be driven in with a hammer!

flamestone · #10 11-15-2012, 01:36 AM

Arrggghhhhh... Just had a brand new full exhaust system put on today... and mine started ticking on the way back home from the shop.

So what's the deal here? Transmission out?

dannmarr · #11 11-15-2012, 05:36 AM

If you hear the ticking after you stop the engine, then it's your exhaust cooling down. If it ticks while the engine is running, then you need to investigate more where it's coming from.

dannmarr · #12 01-15-2013, 05:13 PM

Please help!
My car has been in the trans shop for about 2 months now.
I had the trans swaped out by my mechanic with a 98 Legacy (I was told).
Once that went bad, I brought it to the trans shop. This is where it is now.
The trans shop said it was a 98 forester transmission and not a 98 Legacy.
OK, no problem as long as it's a 4.44, correct?
Now the trans shop said they ordered the pump assembly for a 98 Forester transmission but it was wrong. They noticed the front differential is a 98 Forester but the trans is not! They believes it's from a 94 Legacy and Subaru only made that Transmission with that pump assembly for 6 months only. This is their reason for having a hard time finding parts.
Does any of this make any sense?

1986nate · #13 01-15-2013, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannmarr

Please help!
My car has been in the trans shop for about 2 months now.
I had the trans swaped out by my mechanic with a 98 Legacy (I was told).
Once that went bad, I brought it to the trans shop. This is where it is now.
The trans shop said it was a 98 forester transmission and not a 98 Legacy.
OK, no problem as long as it's a 4.44, correct?
Now the trans shop said they ordered the pump assembly for a 98 Forester transmission but it was wrong. They noticed the front differential is a 98 Forester but the trans is not! They believes it's from a 94 Legacy and Subaru only made that Transmission with that pump assembly for 6 months only. This is their reason for having a hard time finding parts.
Does any of this make any sense?

No, none of it makes sense as to what your current shop is saying. They likely bought a trans pump for a late 98 which would be different. The pump although might have a small change at one point, are interchangeable from any Phase 1 4eat.

Why are they buying a new pump in the first place? They *almost* never ever go bad. The only time I've ever heard or seen a phase 1 pump go bad was from improper trans/engine installs and typically not seating the TC properly.

svxfiles · #14 01-15-2013, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1986nate

No, none of it makes sense as to what your current shop is saying. They likely bought a trans pump for a late 98 which would be different. The pump although might have a small change at one point, are interchangeable from any Phase 1 4eat.

Why are they buying a new pump in the first place? They *almost* never ever go bad. The only time I've ever heard or seen a phase 1 pump go bad was from improper trans/engine installs and typically not seating the TC properly.

What He^ said.

dannmarr · #15 01-15-2013, 08:17 PM

Is a 1994 Legacy a 4.44? I was promised a 1998 Legacy trans, Is it possible that (will not name names) sent me a 1994 Legacy Trans with a 1998 forester front differential instead? And yes, the trans was installed improperly. It was taken out three times (swap and flex plate twice) and the dowels were missing. I'm going to the shop tomorrow. What should I ask or look for?