So I was asked to do a little testing today and was wondering if anyone had an opinion. Here's what I did.
I removed all the belts and left the torque converter disengaged from the flexplate to see if we can isolate the knocking noise. The knocking noise continued.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIiEhcLq2yA
For the second test, I was asked to loosen the rear bolt to the valley pan to see if there was a clearance issue. The knocking noise continued.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvJRpllH3Vs
I guess I'll be taking the intake and the valley pan off this weekend to check for any damage or witness marks on the valley pan. I hope thats the issue because but who knows. It still appears that the source of the knocking noise is on the bottom end of the motor.
Anything that anyone can think of beside having to pull the motor would be appreciated. If not...I'll be having to pull the motor out this holiday weekend. Not exactly what I would like to do but I fear if pull the motor and see no evidence of damage, I have no clue what to do from that point.
Thoughts?