I have an odd noise that is making me paranoid. 98 4 x 4, 360, auto. Never heard the noise till recently after doing the plenum. Which makes the paranoia grow. It will only occassionally make the noise, and only at startup, right when the motor cranks. It is a "clack" noise for lack of a better term, and it only does it once. Turn the key, "clack!" And the motor cranks simultaneously. Almost a lifter type noise, but makes the noise only once (a single clack instead of clack, clack, clack). Truck runs great, no other noises or problems. Maybe something with the starter, but truck starts great. Almost impossible to diagnose on the net, I know, and all this clack talk is kinda goofy, but maybe someone else has had the same noise and can tell me what I may need to be saving money for. Is impossible for me to figure out where it comes from since it only makes the noise once and only does it once out of 10 startups or so. Is a longshot, but maybe someone has some ideas. Thanks.

 

sounds like the starter solenoid throwing the bendix. normal.

you could test it by placing your hand on the starter ONLY in a safe position while an assistant turns the ignition key. you'll likely feel the clack sound.

 

Yeah, I hear what you're saying, but it was definitely a new sound. Got in the truck yesterday and it wouldn't start. Just made the clack sound and nothing. Soo, I poked around under the hood and the neg batt cable was loose on the post. Tightened it and broke the bolt. Scrounged around in my junk toolbox for a new bolt, cleaned the post, tightened the bolt, and arrived at work 30 min late. Truck has not made the noise since, so maybe that's all it was. I'm thinking that was it, time will tell. Thx