Torque converter noise?

[Southern cracker]

I have a 2003 expedition XLT 5.4 four wheel drive. There's this noise coming from around the bellhousing or thereabouts, it sounds like spark knock to me. I've been told it's the torque converter but I just don't know. Is there anybody that knows anything about what torque converter sounds like when they're going bad?

 

[Hamfisted]

Might even be the flex-plate (cracked) that the TC bolts to. You can remove the inspection hole cover on the driver's side of the bell housing and look at the flex plate. There's a 3" round plastic stopper you yank out with pliers. It looks like where a starter might go on that side if it was ever needed there.
With your vacuum leak issue, I would highly recommend smoke testing the intake system to be sure of where the leaks are coming from. It's the best $100 you'll spend on the project. If you do end up pulling the intake off make sure to change out the cross over pipe's gaskets at the same time. Inspect the intake/crossover mounting surface for any cracks or delamination. If delamination is present, replace the intake.
It'll save you a huge headache down the road.


https://www.amazon.com/AutoLine-Pro-Automotive-Detector-Diagnostic/dp/B07JVT1NG2/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2QQG3QI0MW2PR&dchild=1&keywords=mechanic+smoke+machine&qid=1613607404&sprefix=machanic+smoke,aps,188&sr=8-5



https://www.amazon.com/Felpro-MS980...rd+5.4+crossover+gasket&qid=1613607444&sr=8-5


https://www.amazon.com/Fel-Pro-Es71...keywords=felpro+es71213&qid=1613607679&sr=8-1


https://www.amazon.com/Ford-FBA_2L3Z-6C324-AA-2L3Z-6C324-AA-CONNECTOR/dp/B000NS2480

 

[Southern cracker]

Yeah I've recently had a flywheel put in the truck or flex plate. As far as a manifold goes, I sprayed starter fluid all around it while I was running and never got no response. At first it was showing running lean on Bank One I'd cut the light off, it stay off for 3 months.

 

[Southern cracker]

It came back on, the light, this time it said Bank One in bank to showing lean.

 

[Hamfisted]

It came back on, the light, this time it said Bank One in bank to showing lean.

Unless you can see a bad vacuum hose pretty clearly it will save you a ton of time and guess work to smoke test the intake system.


https://www.amazon.com/AutoLine-Pro...=1613872885&sprefix=smoke+test,aps,194&sr=8-5

 

[RR99]

Got the same issue.. My bought my 2003 with a bad trans and after rebuilding the trans and installing a new torque converter it still makes that sound.. Thing is with mine if I put it in gear you can hardly hear it but it's Pretty loud in park.. I had the same thing on one of my banks to so I just replaced the bad sensor the Code pointed me to and it solved that problem.. I just gave up on the knocking/tapping sound for now but i do plan on getting back on it soon..

 

[Southern cracker]

Thanks for replying, I guess I'll get a smoke test done.to find the vacuum leak. I'll get 4 O2 censors and change those out. I'll post what becomes of it..