PLEASE HELP. e53 diesel weird noise when starting.

[tsotnek]

Hello,

So my diesel car has yet another problem...

It makes this weird sound when starting the car for a few seconds...



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-Rz0XxR3EE


My mechanic said it was the cause of broken flexplate, and told me some really high numbers for the cost fixing.


Does anybody know what could it be and if its really the broken flexplate from the sound?

[Clavurion]

I can see diesel cooler in that video so I'm assuming we are talking about pre-facelift 3.0d? These have solid flexplate so unlikely to fail. (Compared to riveted flexplate on the newer models.) Though it could be loose bolts between flexplate and torque converter. I think these can be checked via the opening at the bottom of bell housing.

If that sound comes more from the front it can be caused by failed vibration damper (crank pulley).

[tsotnek]

Hello good sir Clavurion,


Yes indeed it is pre-facelift, it is 2002 model.



Could you please elaborate a bit more on how can I check whether the bolts might be loose between the flexplate and torque converter?

[Clavurion]

Originally Posted by tsotnek

Could you please elaborate a bit more on how can I check whether the bolts might be loose between the flexplate and torque converter?

There is opening on the bottom of gearbox bell housing. I would first check if you can see them there enough. Otherwise you have to remove a small metal plate on the front of the right side of bell housing. From this opening the bolts between flexplate and torque converter are removed anyways. Rotate engine by hand so you can see all three connecting points.