R & R ATX flexplate

[SHOtimer]

The flexplate on my 3.2 I am not using as it is damaged. So, I will be using the flexplate on my current 3.2. In removing these is their any special precautionary way to do it as not to damage anything? The Helms simply said to tighten it down in the star pattern and gave a two step torque stages.

Also, the Helms mentioned lining the flexplate up in exactly the same holes with the TC as it was removed, is this completely necessary?

Lastly, how can I hold the motor still while I break these bolts loose? It is on a stand BTW.

Thanx, Doug

 

[1slickRED89]

the flex plate will only go on one way as the crank bolt holes are not equally spaced. I use a dab of locktight on all important fasters, i think i found a bottle of red when i did the flex plate. as far as holding it still, just put a breaker bar on the harmonic dampner bolt as you tighten them.

but if it's on a stand you might not beable to access the back of the engine, so set it on the ground. I like to make little dollies for moving things around the shop, just like 24"x24" chunk of 3/4" plywood with 4 casters on it. just set it on one of those to break them loose then roll it where it needs to go. Corey

 

[SHOtimer]

Alright, thanx.

I am wondering if I can get it off while it is still on the stand? Their is nothing on the front of the motor, and i'm hesitant to put a bolt in the crank to hold it because I then have a tight bolt and no way to get it out of the crank.

I assume that the only way to loosen/tighten it is by using the crank bolt? Surely their must be another way......

Doug

 

[1slickRED89]

you could put a large screw driver in two other flex plate bolts, while you tighten/loosen another, but i bent a flex plate bolt doing that, and if you don't have a buddy with a spare, your screwed. Corey

 

[SHOtimer]

Funny you say that. That is the reason that I have to use the flexplate that is currently on the car. The flexplate on this motor I bent by using a screwdriver to hold it still as I took off the crank bolt. I am going to try to attempt to get the bolts off by holding it by hand and wrenching on it. I am thinking since the bolts are not in the center of the crankshaft that and that it will not cause it to turn as much as the crank bolt would. Basically, try to just get them off without keeping the motor from turning.

Are the flexplates discontinued?

Doug

 

[92inPA]

On other engines, I have had luck with clamping a short length of a 2x4 to the flex plate with a couple of C-clamps. The 2x4 keeps the crank from rotating and the two C-clamps provide an even holding force to hold the board in place. Will this method work on the SHO flexplate?

 

[Slo-Sho]

Times like this is when an impact gun would be spectacular.

 

[Off Road SHO]

Sounds like you don't have access to a lot of specialized tools. So, use a hammer and box end wrench. Tapping on the wrench while it's on the bolt delivers enough of a force to break loose most bolts. Once you have one loose you can then chain it to an engine part and loosen the rest.

I myself like to make little specialized tools. In this case I would take a U-shaped piece of steel that fits snugly between two teeth of the ring gear. I would then weld it onto a bolt that goes through the engine-to-bell housing mounting holes. We used this method on VW for years.

Tom

 

[SHOtimer]

Sounds like you don't have access to a lot of specialized tools. So, use a hammer and box end wrench. Tapping on the wrench while it's on the bolt delivers enough of a force to break loose most bolts. Once you have one loose you can then chain it to an engine part and loosen the rest.

I myself like to make little specialized tools. In this case I would take a U-shaped piece of steel that fits snugly between two teeth of the ring gear. I would then weld it onto a bolt that goes through the engine-to-bell housing mounting holes. We used this method on VW for years.

Tom

I don't necessarily know what you are talking about with the chain in the first paragraph.

Secondly, without a welder or steel directly available to me I don't see how I can do that.

I also would love doing that type of thing, but don't have the resources available to me.

Thanx, Doug