Edit: Car is a 1998 Auto.

OK all of a sudden I started hearing a really strange noise from the engine bay. The only way I can explain the sound is like someone is shaking a piece of metal around in a plastic cup. It only happens intermittently under load, usually part throttle, and sometimes its worse when I'm turning right. I then found that my lower radiator support had rotted out and broken, so I attributed it to that. Low and behold, I got a new one welded in, the noise is still there. During the period since the noise started the car was getting increasingly difficult to start.

Then the other day the starter died. I replaced the starter, started it up and went around the block. Shut the car down, started it again a few moments later and the starter just spun as if not engaging the ring gear at all. I got pissed and gave up for the night. Went back out there today and tried it a few times, on the 3rd or 4th try the car started. Kept trying, and the starter spins a few times, then it catches after a few attempts and starts the car.

Does anyone have any experience with anything like this? Is it possible part of the ring gear broke off and that's what I hear rattling around? I'm totally stumped at this point. Usually I'd just work on figuring it out, but its so damn cold here and snowing and I can't stand working on it in this weather. If anyone has any advice I'd love to hear your input.
Thanks.

 

is the CEL on?
my gut is saying you have a timing chain tensioner going/gone bad

 

Starter ring gears have been known to go bad, pull the starter & shine a light in there while an assistant turns the engine over slowly. Or you can bounce back and forth but it would be a lot easier with a second person.

 

You have two issues.
1) A defective starter
2) The noise - Being you mentioned it gets worse when you turn, have the CV joints looked at. The timing chain usually rattles at idle and should be easy to pin point.

 

The CEL was not on...then when I changed the starter I got a little anxious (its freaking cold here) and fired the car before putting everything back together just to make sure all was well. I didn't have the mass air sensor plugged in, so I'm assuming that's what threw the code.

CV axles are all good, its definitely not that kind of rattle. Thanks for the input guys I'm gonna suffer through the cold again and check the ring gear tomorrow, I'm not sure I'm comfortable taking the timing cover off on this car, I've never opened up a VQ before. It may be time to take it in to someone.

 

yeah, having the MAF unplugged will throw a code (i did the same thing leaving the MAF and IAT? unplugged)

 

OK I drove it a short distance today and I'm now about 75% sure my transmission is right about to **** the bed. Its now making a little tapping noise when I stop while in D, but the noise stops in park. Its clunking when I shift it from park as well which its never really done.