Hi All,
I am looking to gain some knowledge in regards to the 'dual mass' flywheel. There seems to be a great deal of angst regarding it's presence and much hyperbole on the subject.

Although I am pretty strong on diesel engine principles and operation, I must admit this one escapes me.

Therefore, I am looking for two answers:

1). Why is there such a strong market for a 'dual mass' replacement?

2). Why does Ford use a 'dual mass' flywheel when a solid unit should be cheaper to manufacture and appears to be what the market wants?

I appreciate everyone's input on this subject as long as we can all be friends :-)

Thanks,
Bill

 

The dual mass flywheel is used to quell a percieved problem of transmission gear noise. It is my understanding that they use it in the F250 through F450. The F550 and up use a single mass unit. The problem with the DMF is that eventually it will wear out and need to be replaced, which is very expensive.

 

To correct the previous post, according to the Ford 2003.25 Super Duty manual, the F250 and F350 uses the dual mass flywheel, while the F450 and F550 uses the single mass unit. Apparently they are not using the 6.0L engine in any vehicles above F550.

 

F650 and f750 also have the option of 6.0

 

Yes but can a single mass unit be used in replacement or is there some design feature? Is there something that the DMF cures ie:trans gear noise, or is that just "perceived"?

 

That is a good question that I don't have an answer to. But if the answer is yes, I'd say it is a safe bet that if an aftermarket flywheel becomes available (from Carolina Clutch or who ever) it will be less expensive than the Ford part.
Ford, GM and others should quit whining about the aftermarket taking their business, and run all these aftermarket suppliers out of business by lowering their prices to a reasonable level.
I'd like to know why nobody has tried to rebuild the dual mass unit.