Dreaded flexplate knock

[XJdunnz]

I had been wondering what this knock was and after hearing some videos of the noise quickly jumped under the xj and noticed it's coming from the flexplate area. Has anyone been lucky enough to just re tighten the 4 bolts and have it quit? How do I go about this in detail. And if it needs to be changed how to change it. I have someone who's willing to help but wanted to have the know how to guide us. Thanks in advance.

 

[Jester32]

It all depends mine cracked around the center and sounded just like loose bolts.

 

[XJdunnz]

When I first start up my xj it doesn't make the noise but after a couple of minutes it begins to start knocking, it almost sounds like it's coming from the front of engine but once you climb under it you can tell it's coming from the flexplate area. I've read that you can take off the dust cover and try and tighten the 4 bolts and make sure there not loose. Just needed to know exactly how to go about that. Like can I get at these bolts without moving the trans back a little?

 

[Jester32]

Oh ya. Just have to remove the dust shield and turn the engine by hand till you can get at the bolts.

 

[XJdunnz]

That's what I thought but wanted to make sure. Thanks