Which way does the recess on a 302 flywheel go... toward trannie or toward block? I have the recess toward block, the four TC bolts mate up as planned, the bell-housing to block pins mate up, bolts go in, BUT... the starter won't turn and the engine is bound up. Does this sound like the flywhell is on backwards???? Any help would be greatly apprerciated.

 

Sure does sound like its backwards. How did the torque converter bolt up? The ring gear should be at is further distance from the block when bolted down and it sounds like to have it installed so it is closer to the block.

Did you get the converter in the trans correctly by turning it until it steps inward I think 3 times? You may not have the converter installed correctly?

 

The ring gear is at its furthest distance that it could be from the block, so that seems right. As far as the torque converter, I didn't take it out of the trannie when I pulled the engine. It may have shifted in the bell-housing though. I'm out of town until Friday, but I'll give the "three turns" method a try then. BTW, thanks for your reply.

 

You will feel the conveter slip ot notch itself in when you find the correct spots in which it goes inward more. If the converter wasn't pushed in all of the way you may have broken the front pump.

 

Oh, I hope not!!!! BTW, how can I know whether that has happened prior to bolting everything back together? If so, I will have to take the trannie to someone to have it fixed as I don't have skill or desire to get into that. You have been very helpful RTM and I appreciate that VERY much!

 

I just hope you didn't break anything. I think the pump is an easy fix. If you pull the tranny out it may be worth while to have someone look at it to make sure it's not broke. If it is broke you will know as soon as you try to move the truck under its own power. Thats the only way I know how to tell unless the tranyy is taken apart. The front cover is all that has to be removed if I recall correctly. I haven't done this myself only looked at drawings in the past when I was bored. good luck