351w flexplate
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: NB, Canada
351w flexplate
I have an 88 351w engine I am installing but the position of the flexplate was not marked by the last person who took it apart and left it. Could someone please tell me the proper way to determine the flexplate/crankshaft relationship. My manual only says to mark the positioning, it does not show how to realign the estranged pair. Thank you.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 987
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From: East Bend, Carolina, U.S
351w flexplate
The bolt pattern is not even. You can only install it in one position. You do need to know which side faces the engine. It should be easy to see signs of which side goes toward the engine. The worn edge of the teeth for the starter will be easy to spot. The way the torque converter mates up to the flexplate should be evident and where the nuts that hold the torque converter on leave marks from being tightened against the flexplate. I have never been able to install a flexplate in the wrong position, so don't sweat it.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 987
Likes: 2
From: East Bend, Carolina, U.S
351w flexplate
When you go to install this engine be very carefull to have the torque converter installed all the way into the transmission or you will have one heck of a heartbreak. Anyone that has installed a few engines in automatic setups will tell you to check and double check that the converter is in the tranny all the way or when you try to tighten the tranny bell housing bolts you will break and or bend something.
The way I check it is to rotate and push the converter in at the same time. When it is as far as it will go in then you will not be able to squeeze your fingers in around the back of the converter (very close fit). Take your time and check things closely since this is your first time.
The way I check it is to rotate and push the converter in at the same time. When it is as far as it will go in then you will not be able to squeeze your fingers in around the back of the converter (very close fit). Take your time and check things closely since this is your first time.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: House Springs, MO
351w flexplate
You'll feel three significant depressions of thr torque convertor as it slides and clicks into the pump. If this isn't done just right, the first time you start it up, you'll hear about 4 seconds of grinding, then realize you just fried your pump 
Believe me, I know...
Believe me, I know...
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,214
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From: Minneapolis, MN
351w flexplate
Another trick I use when you go to bolt the tranny to the engine... Don't pull the two together with the bell housing bolts. Get a bolt or two started and wiggle the engine (or tranny) to get them to come together. Don't force it. If it's right, it will go.
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 71
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From: Knoxville, TN
You'll feel three significant depressions of thr torque convertor as it slides and clicks into the pump. If this isn't done just right, the first time you start it up, you'll hear about 4 seconds of grinding, then realize you just fried your pump Believe me, I know...
Believe me, I know...I have read that there is only one way to install the flexplate (i.e. the bolts only line up one way) - I was worried that I had not paid close enough attention to the orientation and would have an unbalanced motor-trans. Can anyone confirm this? I just slapped it on and bolted it down tight - I'm hoping that I just got lucky with the first attempt.
Any comments would be appreciated.
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2007
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From: British Columbia
Tommy:
Hmmm... you were probably just lucky. To double check, remove the torque convertor nut access cover at the bottom front of the transmission, turn the engine until the flex plate counterweight is at the bottom and look at the position of the counterweight on the damper. I think they are supposed to be in line. Unfortunately I don't have an assembled engine to confirm this right now, but perhaps another FTE member can advise.
Hmmm... you were probably just lucky. To double check, remove the torque convertor nut access cover at the bottom front of the transmission, turn the engine until the flex plate counterweight is at the bottom and look at the position of the counterweight on the damper. I think they are supposed to be in line. Unfortunately I don't have an assembled engine to confirm this right now, but perhaps another FTE member can advise.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
Tommy:
Hmmm... you were probably just lucky. To double check, remove the torque convertor nut access cover at the bottom front of the transmission, turn the engine until the flex plate counterweight is at the bottom and look at the position of the counterweight on the damper. I think they are supposed to be in line. Unfortunately I don't have an assembled engine to confirm this right now, but perhaps another FTE member can advise.
Hmmm... you were probably just lucky. To double check, remove the torque convertor nut access cover at the bottom front of the transmission, turn the engine until the flex plate counterweight is at the bottom and look at the position of the counterweight on the damper. I think they are supposed to be in line. Unfortunately I don't have an assembled engine to confirm this right now, but perhaps another FTE member can advise.
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