Narrowed down noise still ??? PLS HELP

[Mr no name]

OK so '90 Inline 6 with automatic. After driving for a while this metallic popping sound developes right in the area between the oil pan and bell housing. It gets louder the longer I drive and faster with RPMs. Does it in drive as well as neutral. Took off the dust plate to look at flexplate. Tried to tighten the 4 accessible bolts on the plate, but already tight and just turned the engine. HOWEVER, each time the flexplate made its round, the popping or clicking sound occured once. Couldn't find exact location though. Put dust plate back on, tightened its bolts, AND upon tightening, I flexed the engine and tranny and heard the same sound. I am very perplexed. PLEASE, if you have any thoughts please share. Might there be more torque conv to flexplate bolts and how to access? Or do you think it could be the oil pump. Please help me figure this out - I am not sleeping well anymore. THANKS IN ADVANCE

[JDPascal]

From what you describe there are two places I would look.

1. The bolts that attach the transmission to the engine. Are any of them loose??

2. The attachment of the flexplate to the crankshaft.

Notice I didn't say the "bolts" for the flexplate to the crankshaft because it might be the flex plate that is cracked around the center too.

Remove the shroud under the flexplate and put a socket or wrench on the front crankshaft pully bolt, turning it back and forth while holding the flywheel. If you get the "Noise" and the belhousing bolts are tight then you have to slide the tranny back and remove the flexplate to inspect it and do the repairs. If the flexplate bolts were loose at all - replace them.

Not good news I know but another thing to check and eliminate.

JD