Hello all. I know this isnt a Honda Im asking about, much less an Accord, but Im trying to do a favor for a friend. He just bought a 1990 Plymouth Laser, 2 liter four cylinder, auto trans, 147k mileage. When the car is running and in Park, there is a horrible rattling sound. The guy who sold it to him said that the trans was serviced and the torque converter was not bolted back in tight enough, so it rattles. It doesnt do it so much when you put it in Drive, just in Neutral and Park. Now I know nothing about auto trannys, so does this sound legit to you guys? The guy who sold it to my friend said that his mechanic had diagnosed it, and it would be $250 to fix it (apparently its a four hour job). I just dont want my friend to throw money at this thing, like he is inclined to do. I know its hard to diagnose what might cause a rattle when you cant hear the sound for yourself, but if you have any ideas, please share. Thanks guys.

EDIT ~ Almost forgot, the car is NOT a turbo. 2.0 liter, naturally aspirated, automatic.

 

Additional question, if the problem is indeed the torque converter not being torqued down, how much damage will he do if he drives the car?

 

Once more to the top of the stack...

 

Alright, recently my car (1998 Honda Accord V6) has been revving up to about 4000+ RPMs when shifting. My engine light turned on, and I went to AutoZone, and the guy was no help, so I went to Advanced Auto Parts, and the guys told me that it was a P0740, just like they said at AutoZone, but they elaborated. Apparently it reads "Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction." That doesn't mean much to me because I know s**t about transmissions. Anything else, I can repair. Anyway, last week it started making a shuddering sound while in park and neutral ONLY. At first I thought it was the belt tensioner because it looked like it was wobbling (it's apparently warped), but then I got to thinking, "it's only in park and neutral, so it's probably related to my torque converter problem." So, it sounds like what you're describing. A shuddering noise in park and neutral, and my engine code is something about the torque converter. So, I'd listen to the guy. At least take it to a transmission specialist (NOT COTTMAN), and have them take a look at it. That should only cost $30 or so. Hope I kinda helped.