Flexplate/Flywheel

[RoyLuke]

'96 Disco 1 with 4.0 Litre engine.

Hi All
When my Disco "threw a Rod" it destroyed the engine. The cam shaft literally broke into two places. Part of the cam exited the aft end of the engine and slightly damaged the flexplate "TABS" (see pix below).
Obviously, even if the flywheel seems to be repairable, it is way too chancy to reuse. Also, it may have been warped in the process.

Correct me if I am wrong but this plate is NOT a candidate for reuse.

This poor disco will never be a "matching numbers" one. And when this engine goes wrong (and it will) it is getting a Chevy conversion !!!!

TNX
Roy

 

[rover rob]

those tabs you speak of are the reluctor tabs that the crank sensor uses to get its signal . if they are not correct it could give you hell trying to get it to run right. I would replace it. look at the top tab in projects for more info

 

[RoyLuke]

those tabs you speak of are the reluctor tabs that the crank sensor uses to get its signal . if they are not correct it could give you hell trying to get it to run right. I would replace it. look at the top tab in projects for more info

I knew those tabs were for yet another "sensor" but didn't know how critical they were. I also am concerned about the flexplate being warped.
Yes, it would be a good idea to get an undamaged one.
That rod totally destroyed that other engine.

 

[4Runner]

Maybe I am wrong, but doesn’t the reluctor ring attack to the flywheel then the spacer and the flexplate is what the torque converter bolts to.? Just making sure you are searching for the right parts.

 

[rover rob]

Maybe I am wrong, but doesn’t the reluctor ring attack to the flywheel then the spacer and the flexplate is what the torque converter bolts to.? Just making sure you are searching for the right parts.

the ring is riveted

 

[Flyfish]

Maybe I am wrong, but doesn’t the reluctor ring attack to the flywheel then the spacer and the flexplate is what the torque converter bolts to.? Just making sure you are searching for the right parts.

You are correct.

And the tabs can be bent back into alignment. There is a tool for that. I made a thread about that a few weeks ago.

 

[Flyfish]

I knew those tabs were for yet another "sensor" but didn't know how critical they were

That’s what your crank sensor reads. Need that for the truck to run.

 

[RoyLuke]

The flexplate is probably alright and can be fitted but there is a chance that with all the damage that was done the plate may be warped.
If so, the engine will have to come back out. No thank you !!!!
I think the wise move is to R&R the flexplate/flywheel and that way there should be no concern.
TNX
Roy

 

[Flyfish]

You can realign any bent reluctor teeth by removing the cover plate above the oil pan.

Since the flexplate bolts directly to the torque converter, it’s probably OK unless you can tell it really got warped/bent. Probably the most important thing to check is for any cracks in it.

 

[discostew]

If the cam came out the back and hit that flex plate I would get another. Those tabs aren’t bent, they smashed. I would be concerned that once I got them straight they would be close to breaking off.
There’s gotta be a shit ton of used flex plates out there.

 

[Flyfish]

If the cam came out the back and hit that flex plate I would get another. Those tabs aren’t bent, they smashed. I would be concerned that once I got them straight they would be close to breaking off.
There’s gotta be a shit ton of used flex plates out there.

He initially mentioned “part of the cam damaged the flexplate tabs“, probably by accident. The reluctor tabs are on the fly wheel which is what he meant to say.. I would imagine the actual flexplate is ok and the flywheel probably protected the flexplate.

If you’re not going to replace, Stew brings up a good point about the reluctor tabs. You have to be careful because they can break. I would try using a micro torch for some heat and go very slow when bending.

 

[RoyLuke]

Yes, I think a total R&R is called-for. This poor Disco has gone through a lot but I am not ready to give up.
This month is H.R.H's Birthday and ANZAC day. I plan to add to that, getting the engine back in the old Landy. LOL

 

[Flyfish]

If the engine is out, just get a new flywheel from Will or something. Plenty available. Just keep all your original spacers etc from the motor when you remove the bad flywheel.