Knocking at Torque Converter

[uniklife]

Need assistance before taking to a shop... Have 1998 FS 2wd w/5.4 ...100k miles. A knocking sound started at the torque converter area...(sounds almost like stuck lifter) Upon startup for about 20-30 seconds all is fine, then the knocking occurs.When shifting from n-R noise goes away "just slightly for a moment" but when fully in R or any other gear the knocking is very apparent. Inspected inside the cover plate and all flywheel to TC hardware was secure, there were no "visible" cracks in the flywheel. Placed a rub stick on the TC "which engine running" to feel for the knocking pulse, and confirmed the knock was coming from the area. With the plate off the sound is quite loud. I first thought that the TC drain bolt was loose.... (it was secure) Question is... what are the possible causes for the knocking or "LOUD ticking"? Thanks for your time... Robert

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[model a]

A quick test for a cracked flex plate: kill one cylinder while the engine is idling. (temporarily remove a connector to an injector or coil) Knocking from a cracked flex plate will USUALLY get much louder.

Model A

[dirtyd0g]

If the phenolic spacer is blown inside the converter it will do this. That is the reason ford replaced that with a bearing in the later years.
Alan