302 flywheel confusion
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
The casting number is 100% definitely D90E-8015-E3A. I also thought that '6015' was the standard Engine Id series number. We did find a tag while cleaning the engine stating that it is a reman. from Ford dated 1993. So that would explain the 50 oz flexplate/ flywheel issue. Thanks for all the help, JSM84
The die that Ford used was worn, why it appears to be 8015.
All the engine related parts are in the 6000 group. 6009-shortblock / 6200-rod / 6375-flywheel / 6500-lifter / 6600-oil pump, etc.
All the cooling related parts are in the 8000 group. 8005-radiator / 8200-grille / 8575-thermostat / 8600-fan blade, etc.
New User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
My Swap Project
I'm looking to pull the dead 300-6 out of my '87 F-150 4x4 and put in a 302 V-8. The 302 supposedly came from a vehicle with an Automatic and it was EFI, where my '87 was NA.
There is plenty of good information that I'm able to take away from this thread about flywheel weight and size. I also noted the comment about the starter.
I've already purchased the new motor mounts and I'm looking to acquire an intake/carb combo from the local JY. Is there anything additional that I'm missing or that I need to address?
There is plenty of good information that I'm able to take away from this thread about flywheel weight and size. I also noted the comment about the starter.
I've already purchased the new motor mounts and I'm looking to acquire an intake/carb combo from the local JY. Is there anything additional that I'm missing or that I need to address?
New User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6
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Until yesterday, I don't believe I've ever heard of the Flywheel on an automatic transmission being called a Flexplate. Is there any difference between a Flywheel on a manual transmission and a Flexplate on an automatic transmission? Can I use a Flexplate as a Flywheel?
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 36
From: British Columbia
There's most definitely a difference between a flexplate and a flywheel. A flywheel has to have a clutch friction surface, attachment for the pressure plate and has to be heavy to act as a, um, flywheel.
A flexplate is merely a plate which attaches a torque converter to the crankshaft flange. It doesn't need mass since the torque converter acts as the flywheel.
Both pieces have a similar pattern to attach them to the crankshaft flange, and a ring gear to engage the starter motor, but are quite different (bolt pattern) otherwise to suit their intended purposes.
If you look through the posts on the first page of this thread you will see excellent illustrations of both parts.
Don't forget that the 300 and 302 flexplates or flywheels are differently balanced so not interchangeable.
A flexplate is merely a plate which attaches a torque converter to the crankshaft flange. It doesn't need mass since the torque converter acts as the flywheel.
Both pieces have a similar pattern to attach them to the crankshaft flange, and a ring gear to engage the starter motor, but are quite different (bolt pattern) otherwise to suit their intended purposes.
If you look through the posts on the first page of this thread you will see excellent illustrations of both parts.
Don't forget that the 300 and 302 flexplates or flywheels are differently balanced so not interchangeable.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,170
Likes: 5
From: The hills of No. Calif.
Many people use the two terms interchangeably, not realizing the difference. Sometimes it's hard to read a thread and understand which of them it is that they're talking about, but I think we've covered them all in this thread.
And for the record, the difference on a 300-6 flywheel/flexplate is that it has zero imbalance, with no weights at all but still retains the same bolt pattern as our V8 engines which adds yet another level of possible imbalance mismatch...
And for the record, the difference on a 300-6 flywheel/flexplate is that it has zero imbalance, with no weights at all but still retains the same bolt pattern as our V8 engines which adds yet another level of possible imbalance mismatch...
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
ive been reading all kinds of threads, and this one seems to be the most relevant. therefore i have a question to anyone regarding my 1988 F-250 302. the flywheel appears to be a 28oz. version, casting number E8TR-AA, so its an '88 casting . but, the front dampener appears to be the 50oz. weight, also , i checked my old automatic '86 302 and the flexplate appears to be 28oz. and the dampener is also the 50oz. weight.i am convertig the 88from the light duty ford 5 spd over t the heavy duty ZF. im curious why the flywheel is a 28oz. anyway. im just wondering if anybody can help clear it up.
Last edited by Ford Boi; Nov 19, 2009 at 06:53 PM. Reason: forgot to mention details.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 576
Likes: 9
From: Rockford, IL
ive been reading all kinds of threads, and this one seems to be the most relevant. therefore i have a question to anyone regarding my 1988 F-250 302. the flywheel appears to be a 28oz. version, casting number E8TR-AA, so its an '88 casting . but, the front dampener appears to be the 50oz. weight, also , i checked my old automatic '86 302 and the flexplate appears to be 28oz. and the dampener is also the 50oz. weight.i am convertig the 88from the light duty ford 5 spd over t the heavy duty ZF. im curious why the flywheel is a 28oz. anyway. im just wondering if anybody can help clear it up.
I do have a question myself. I have three flexplates hanging from my wall in my garage, I have long forgotten the weight, but can easily count the number of teeth. If I'm understanding correctly, will the lighter balanced flexplates have more holes in them? (less material than the heavier variation)
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
The flexplate/flywheel imbalance is engine dependant. The 351/5.8 has always used a 28oz imbalance, while the 302/5.0 switched from a 28oz to 50oz imbalance in 1981. So if that E8TR-AA(1988) flywheel is indeed 28oz it is from a 5.8 and is wrong for this motor, the other possibility of course is it's a 50oz flywheel.
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5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
yes the engines were both running, quite smoothly i must say. the 88 that i am working on now with the flywheel in question, i only bought recently and im sure it has been apart, the flywheel has been sanded down with a grinder and sanding pad 
, and is scored horribly and even cracked on the wear surface. it ran very well, no vibration, but i just want to make sure hat the proper flywheel goes back in. heres a piture of the E8TR-AA.
, and is scored horribly and even cracked on the wear surface. it ran very well, no vibration, but i just want to make sure hat the proper flywheel goes back in. heres a piture of the E8TR-AA.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 922
Likes: 1
From: San Diego
I am a bit of a nimrod, I was in the process of replacing my clutch, I removed the flywheel to have it re-surfaced, but I neglected to mark its position relative to the crankshaft. How do I ensure I re-install it correctly, is it's orientation going to matter?
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 922
Likes: 1
From: San Diego
I thought all of the flywheel mounting bolts were evenly spaced., I know that the clutch housing is oddly spaced and thus easy to line up, but I am a little worried about the flywheel itself.
I haven't gotten to that point, I was just able to get the worn pilot bearing out before it got too cold outside...
I will be throwing it all back together tomorrow (hopefully...)
I haven't gotten to that point, I was just able to get the worn pilot bearing out before it got too cold outside...
I will be throwing it all back together tomorrow (hopefully...)
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 36
From: British Columbia
Flywheel alignment
Have no fear, one of the bolt holes in the flywheel is offset slightly as is one of the crankshaft threaded holes. Since it's only a little bit offset, it's not apparent when looking at one part, but when you put them together you'll see that the holes clearly don't line up enough to get all the bolts in unless the parts are in the one correct orientation.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 922
Likes: 1
From: San Diego
Thanks, I figured it out late last night. one pair of holes was an inch apart, most of the others were just over an inch apart to a inch and a quarter apart...
Looks the same when viewed straight on. Go figure.
She's up and running now, just have to set the clutch linkage freeplay now.
Looks the same when viewed straight on. Go figure.
She's up and running now, just have to set the clutch linkage freeplay now.