Torque Converter and Flexplate balance

Hey, I have some earlier post reference to my starter freezing up...I believe I possibly ruined or damaged the flexplate...if so....(havenlt looked at her yet after having it towed home)....how difficult is changing the "flexplate"....can it be done without pulling the engine.....haven't done one in years if ever...appreciated some comments, thanks.

 

It can be done without removing the engine. You will have to remove the tranny, torque converter and starter. Make sure you get the correct balanced flex plate and the correct tooth count. Torque the flex plate to specification. I've heard from some people to use locktight on the threads of the bolts for the flexplate. Not sure if anyone else does this? Should be 1-3 hour job depending on how the tranny cooperates. Just so you dont think you have the wrong one, the flexplates only bolt up one way. So if 3 of the bolts line up and the other 2 dont, undo the other bolts and turn the flywheel until they all line up. Learned this the hard way and thought I had the wrong flexplate.

 

Thanks. Just left the "hot rod" shop and man these guys want to argue with me as to the "flex plate". Half of them said this isn't one, the other half said it is just a dust cover and not needed......from what I understand as you noted, it is needed and is used as a "balancer".....am I assuming correctly?

 

I think there getting confused with the separator plate. Without the flexplate you wouldnt be able to go anywhere.

 

Soundl like there might be some confusioo about the names of the parts.

This is a spacer or block plate: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PMA-PA26445/

This is a flex plate: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TCI-529610/

There is a dust cover that bolts to the bottom of the bell housing. I allows access to the nuts that attach the flex plate to the torque converter.

 

Well, the "Flex Plate" is the "Flywheel" from I see?

 

Correct, when you have an automatic its a "flexplate" and a standard is a "Flywheel".

 

Right. Summit showed a picture of a flywheel for a flex plate product.

Try this one. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ATI-915709/

 

Well technically I guess that is correct, but to me they are all "flywheels"...sort of like telling you to "reboot" your computer.....or "shut it off and turn it back on", thanks for the clarification.