Got the beast started - and had a problem

[V8PunkRocket]

I managed to fire up the 322 in the 56 Special today. Took a lot of tinkering, but I have it to the point where it will start right up.

However, shortly after starting it, the car developed a strange noise. It sounded like something winding up. I can start the car and it will run for a few seconds before the noise starts, and the noise will continue slightly after the engine has stopped. (I have started the engine several times to verify this)

I have a very poor quality video I took of the engine starting, you can kind of hear the noise at the very end. I took it with my phone, so it isn't going to win a best sound editing award or anything. You can hear the noise at the very end, it kind of sounds like a power tool. (I've never posted a vid before, sorry if it doesn't work)

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j152/V8PunkRocket/th_BuickStart2.jpg (http://s79.photobucket.com/albums/j152/V8PunkRocket/?action=view&current=BuickStart2.flv)


I suspect it has something to do with the torque converter, because if it were the starter stuck in the flywheel it wouldn't keep going slightly after the engine has stopped. I knew the trans didn't have much fluid in it so I added some.

However: 1) Does the pump in the trans need to pump that fluid around to be of any use? 2) If so, should I disable the coil and crank the engine for a bit to turn the pump? 3) Or should I start the engine again and let it go, despite the noise, to turn the pump faster? 4) Or should I sacrifice my neighbor's Honda as an offering to the Gods?

Or, if anyone else has another suggestion as to what the noise could be, I am all ears. Never come across this before.

[322bnh]

Fill the transmission first and if the noise is still there, remove all belts and run for a short time like that. Then report back.
Wille

[Smartin]

I'm thinking transmission as well..

I recently had the same problem with a whining transmission, as it seemed to be starving for fluid...since it would hesitate to shift into gear. It was full of fluid.

I dropped the pan and replaced the filter and fluid. After that, it was completely gone. No whine or shifting problems. The pan also had a bunch of sludge in it.

Wille has a good suggestion about the belts, too. I was thinking maybe a power steering pump problem.

[V8PunkRocket]

Thanks guys. I will report back after I have taken your suggestions. Not sure if Autozone or Advance sell a trans filter for a Dynaslow....

[V8PunkRocket]

Update:

I added transmission fluid. Since I am too squeamish to let the engine for long, I can't accurately check the fluid level. After adding transmission fluid, the noise was still there, but I since I haven't run the engine for long, the fluid may not be getting where it needs to.

This morning i took the belts off and cranked the engine up. The noise was still present. At this point, I'm not sure what the problem is. I have never come across anything like this before. Its frustrating because the engine fires right up like a brand new car, but I can't let it run for long to see if it overheats or anything.

EDIT:

I called the person I bought the car from, who told me it was in gear. turns out the trans linkage isn't connected to the steering column. I tried to get under the car and work the linkage, but I can't seem to make sense of it or find anything that looks like it should move. Anyone have any info on Dynaflow trans linkage?

[wildcat4-speed]

Update:



EDIT:

I called the person I bought the car from, who told me it was in gear. turns out the trans linkage isn't connected to the steering column. I tried to get under the car and work the linkage, but I can't seem to make sense of it or find anything that looks like it should move. Anyone have any info on Dynaflow trans linkage?

Dynaflows have NO detents built into the transmission- all detents are made in the steering column.
fully foward is park, all the way back is reverse
pull the rood connected to the trans fully foward and see if the whine is still there
The dynaflow SHOULD have a whine while in park- this is normal and expected- it comes from the planetary gears.
Jon

[322bnh]

Dynaflows have NO detents built into the transmission- all detents are made in the steering column.
f

I know for sure that 1954 dynaflow had no detents in the transmission as stated above, but for sure the 1955 has detents and probably 1956. With all linkage disconnected you can click thru the gears by moving the arm on the tranny.
Block the wheels since starting a car in gear can get real "exciting".
Willie

[V8PunkRocket]

Hmm....didn't know it was supposed to whine. This seems pretty loud, but who knows. Did it seem excessive to you in my extremely poor quality vid?

As far as the arm goes, it moves but the action isn't spectacular. When the trans is in Park, how far forward should the arm go? Should it point straight towards the front bumper, or at some angle? When I was moving it forward, it got to a point where I couldn't get it to go much further, but if I gave it a good shove it would move a little and then return to where it was. This movement didn't affect the noise at all, however.

I do really appreciate all the help so far. Couldn't have gotten anywhere without you guys.