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I am working on a 1987 F-250 with the 300 ci 6 cylinder and C6 auto. The flex plate seems to contact the starter motor housing and the starter motor and or flex plate ring gear eventually wear out. Someone recently replaced the flex plate and starter, and used shims to increase the clearance, but it happened again. The trans seems to function perfectly. I figure the torque converter is not fully engaged in the transmission and is pressing the flex plate forward. Is it possible to detach the transmission without completely removing it to rotate the torque converter to properly engage the front pump, or does the trans have to come completely out to do this? Thanks for any experienced quick reply.
If the vehicle was operated with the torque converter not fully installed, the pump would be damaged and need replacing. Metal shavings would be all through the transmission.
I've seen a C4 on a 351 (and once on a C4/200) where the mechanic replacing the motor didn't install the torque converter all the way in (I guess he had to force the bellhousing bolts) and the forward pressure caused the thrust main bearing to wear through. It was driven and no tranny damage, but of course had to have main bearings replaced and converter put in properly. I don't know if this could happen with the C6. I now suspect this may not be the case. I'll know on monday when I check it out. Thanks for advice, and if anyone has any additional advice on what to check for please let me know.
I was able to examine the truck today (it belongs to a friend). There doesn't seen to be much crank end-play (crank does not move forward or back), but the flex plate seems to rotate out of round (excessive runout?). There is about 1/16" movement between a high and low point (up to down or right to left). I am pretty sure the flex plate itself is not the cause as it behaves the same as before another mechanic replaced it. I was wondering if the crankshaft itself could be slightly bent (the truck had a front u-joint break and the driveshaft fall out at 55mph+ which amazingly broke the trans belhousing and starter motor. This was all replaced a while back), or if worn main bearings could cause this much movement in the flex plate? The starter motor makes a loud grinding noise when engaged and I am sure the ring gear will wear out again soon. Thanks again in advance!