Metal Clanking Sound, Coming from Starter or Tranny-Flywheel/Plate, what could it be?

[HotZ28]

Usually you can remove the torque converter shield from the bottom side of the trans and access the bolts. There should be three bolts 120 deg. apart on the converter. You will not be able to get to more than one at a time from the bottom. Do one, then turn the engine over until you see another. I usually use the torque wrench to turn the flywheel with the bolt I am tightening to expose the next one. No fluid will come out or anything else be bothered.

[the_doctor]

Thanks for the help.
I checked my bolts and they are tight. I was really hoping they were loose. I did, however, notice that my torque converter sheild is missing and has been missing for at least 6 years. I never knew there was supposed to be a sheild there and have always thought it was strange that the flywheel gear and converter were exposed to the elements. Could this have something to do with my clanking sound? The sound does sound like rocks clanking around inside or around something . . . could rocks or water have gotten to the torque converter?
By the way, I started a new thread on this topic in the LeSabre section.
Thanks again for your help!

[wmrivera]

I know you've had a lot of replies, but if you haven't figured out the problem yet, I had the same thing happen to me and it was the harmonic balancer, and it was a pain the rear to replace, pretty inexpensive though.

[the_doctor]

Thanks for the reply. It's been almost a whole year since I posted about this and yes I still have my rattle. I've learned to live with it. I don't believe it's the Harmonic Balancer. Before I had this rattle I did have the Harmonic Balancer go bad. That caused a much louder rattle that got louder whenever the engine was under load...I had that replaced at the dealer..$350...a few months after that it developed this new rattle. This new rattle is not as loud or as solid sounding and occurs mosting during starting and a little when the engine is shutting down. I'm still looking for a solution . . .

Thanks.