Broken Flywheel
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Broken Flywheel
When starter wouldn't engage I pulled it and discovered broken flywheel teeth...about 8-10!! Have located a replacement GM unit and now trying to decide how best to replace it.
Can I do it without pulling the engine, replace by dropping tranny and removing bell housing and clutch??
Not sure I can remover bellhousing from underneath, i.e. will it clear the clutch plate??
Thks for any recommended "best process".
Can I do it without pulling the engine, replace by dropping tranny and removing bell housing and clutch??
Not sure I can remover bellhousing from underneath, i.e. will it clear the clutch plate??
Thks for any recommended "best process".
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 228
Likes: 1
From: Oakwood GA
Shouldnt be a problem coming out the bottom. I think after 1970 the cross members are removable. I have R&R one a 1969 that has a welded in cross member.Little more wrestling around on those. Also why dont you just replace the ring gear on the fly wheel?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Thks, much. Yes, my '80 crossmember is removable so tranny can drop out. Was concerned about pulling the bell housing out over the clutch but it looks like there is room.
I'm going with a new flywheel I found locally...cheap. Didn't think about just replacing the outside ring gear.
I'm going with a new flywheel I found locally...cheap. Didn't think about just replacing the outside ring gear.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: League City TX
Thks, much. Yes, my '80 crossmember is removable so tranny can drop out. Was concerned about pulling the bell housing out over the clutch but it looks like there is room.
I'm going with a new flywheel I found locally...cheap. Didn't think about just replacing the outside ring gear.
I'm going with a new flywheel I found locally...cheap. Didn't think about just replacing the outside ring gear.
No. You will have to pull the flywheel.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 3
From: CA
The ring gear is on the outside of the flywheel. If i remember correctly, a machine shop can heat the old to remove and then heat the new to install. Heat expands the ring and when it cools it contacts. From what I can recall its not a press fit. Depending upon the condition of the flywheel you may want to resurface it and then install a new clutch pressure plate and throw out bearing. Its kind of a "while you in there" thought.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
I'm assuming the heating and removal/replacement of the ring while on the flywheel, in the car, is not easy/feasible.
Since I have located an unused flywheel(with gear) for about $60 I think I'll just change out the whole thing.
And, agree, I will replace the clutch plate and bearing "while there".
Thks for all the feedback.
Since I have located an unused flywheel(with gear) for about $60 I think I'll just change out the whole thing.
And, agree, I will replace the clutch plate and bearing "while there".
Thks for all the feedback.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 45
From: Cameron Park CA
As others have said, you should resurface the flywheel, replace the clutch, t/o bearing, etc. While the shop resurfaces the flywheel, be sure to have them inspect it carefully for any cracks, heat checks, etc. A flywheel that comes apart on you will definitely ruin your day.
Pete
Pete
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 57
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From: Tamuning Guam
just did my 77' 4 spd. make sure you support engine when you pull trans. red99bird correct as my local machine shop rates are outrages and some of them do bad work. you will also need clutch align tool. impact wrench also handy to remove flywheel. good luck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,504
Likes: 139
From: Butler Pa
You'll never get the ring gear hot enough to get it off. The flywheel will also heat up at the same time. Normally a chisel is used to break the gear and it'll then fall off. The new gear is heated to install it.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
The replacement flywheel was the wrong bolt circle, too small.
So, back to replacing the broken ring gear.
I was able to heat the old ring with a torch and hammer it off. Bought a new ring gear and tried to install by heating with the torch and hammering on...NOT.
Gave up after a dozen tries.
A friend said I needed more temp differential and recommended putting the flywheel in the freezer. Didn't fit...,but I did put it in an ice bath in a cooler. Then put the ring gear in the kitchen oven at 450deg.
When I brought them together the ring almost dropped on...a couple of light taps and it was seated...
Thanks for everyone's help...hope this helps someone else doing this next time.
So, back to replacing the broken ring gear.
I was able to heat the old ring with a torch and hammer it off. Bought a new ring gear and tried to install by heating with the torch and hammering on...NOT.
Gave up after a dozen tries.A friend said I needed more temp differential and recommended putting the flywheel in the freezer. Didn't fit...,but I did put it in an ice bath in a cooler. Then put the ring gear in the kitchen oven at 450deg.
When I brought them together the ring almost dropped on...a couple of light taps and it was seated...
Thanks for everyone's help...hope this helps someone else doing this next time.
