3. Engine Flywheel Removal

NOTE: Note the position and direction of the engine flex plate before removal. The flex plate does not use a locating pin for alignment. Mark or scribe the end of the crankshaft and the flex plate before component removal. The engine flex plate must be reinstalled to the original position and direction. The engine flex plate will not initially seat against the crankshaft flange, but will be pulled onto the crankshaft by the engine flex plate bolts. This procedure requires a three stage tightening process. DO NOT remove the prop shaft hub or flex plate from the automatic transmission engine flex plate. The flex plate, prop shaft hub, and flex plate are balanced as an assembly. If service is required, the entire flex plate assembly should be replaced. If replacing the manual transmission flex plate, note the location of any existing balance weights (relative to the position of the flex plate locating hole). Install new balance weights into the new flex plate (if applicable). Flex plate balance weights must be installed into the new flex plate in the same location as the old flex plate. A properly installed balance weight will be either flush or below flush with the face of the flex plate.

1. Mark or scribe the end of the crankshaft and the flex plate.





2. Remove the engine flex plate bolts.
3. Remove the automatic transmission engine flex plate (if applicable).





4. Remove the manual transmission engine flex plate (if applicable).





5. Note the position and location of the manual transmission flex plate balance weights (if applicable).
6. Clean the flex plate in solvent.

WARNING: Wear safety glasses in order to avoid eye damage.

7. Dry the components with compressed air.
8. Inspect the manual transmission flex plate for loose or improperly installed balance weights. A properly installed balance weight should be installed until flush or below flush with the face of the flex plate.





9. Inspect the manual transmission flex plate for the following:
^ Pitted surfaces (1)
^ Scored or grooved surfaces (2)
^ Rusted surface (3)
^ Damaged ring gear teeth (4)
^ Missing, bent, or damaged pressure plate locating pins. The two locating pins are installed into the flex plate and spaced 180 degrees apart.
10. Inspect the automatic transmission flex plate for the following:
^ Damaged ring gear teeth
^ Stress cracks around the flex plate-to-crankshaft bolt hole locations.

NOTE: Do not attempt to repair the welded areas that retain the ring gear to the flex plate plate. Install a new flex plate.

^ Welded areas that retain the ring gear to the flex plate for cracking.