Hey,

So I have a '74 small block in my Scout II and lately it's occasionally started to make a horrific grinding noise for a few moments when I go to start it.

It does not happen every time, and some times is more severe than others, even when the engine is warm.

I am scared that some teeth may be missing off the flex plate, the starter was loose for a while and it had a few hard starts until I tightened it back up again. Is there any way to see without dropping the transmission?

What do you guys think it could be?

Thanks