1999 7.3 Crew short 4x4
I just this evening broke number 4 fly wheel, normally takes about 1 every 5000 miles///Ford put in Re-man while truck was under warranty, just after warranty on "new" trans, it broke first fly wheel. Anyone have similar issues? no oil burn vibration from motor/ just about eliminated Crank issue......any advice on best torque converter?...

 

There is a TSB from Ford about the flex plate on 99's. I'll see if I can find it.

 

Breaking flex plates usually happens from a misalignment between the engine and trans. If a dowel pin is missing you'll have flex plate problems. If the face of the engine or trans wasn't machined right you'll have flex plate problems. If you have greatly increased the engine's torque output it will break flex plates. I don't see how a torque converter could do that, but anything is possible.

 

Here is the TSB.
Article No.
99-23-6

11/15/99

TRANSMISSION - 4R100 - FLEXPLATE
REPLACEMENT - VEHICLES WITH 7.3L DIESEL

ENGINE - SERVICE TIP

FORD:
1994-1997 F SUPER DUTY, F-250 HD, F-350
1994-1999 ECONOLINE
1999 SUPER DUTY F SERIES

ISSUE
The transmission adapter may cause a misalignment between the flexplate and torque converter causing a pre-load condition between the two components. This concern arises during a transmission flexplate replacement.

ACTION
Inspect and replace (if necessary) the flexplate reinforcement plate and crankshaft spacer when replacing the flexplate. In addition, replace the engine spacer during this procedure. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

NOTE THIS PROCEDURE SHOULD BE USED FOR BROKEN/CRACKED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLEXPLATES. THIS PROCEDURE IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT FOR VEHICLES WHICH HAVE SHOWN REPEAT FAILURES AND/OR LOW MILEAGE FAILURES.

1. Inspect the flywheel reinforcement plate for damage. The plate should be flat and free of any galling. Replace Flywheel Reinforcement Plate (F4TZ-6A366-A) if damaged.

2. Inspect the crankcase spacer for damage. The spacer should be flat and free of any galling. Replace Crankcase Spacer (F81Z-6A366-AA) if damaged.

3. Replace the Engine Spacer (F4TZ-6A369-A).

4. Install the crankshaft spacer and flexplate reinforcement plate (less flexplate) with the flexplate attachment bolts. Tighten to specification. The crankshaft spacer and reinforcement plate should be firmly secured and bolts seated. If the bolts are not seated and/or the parts are still loose, remove the bolts, spacer, and reinforcement plate and bottom tap the crankshaft holes.

5. Reinstall the crankshaft spacer, flexplate, reinforcement plate, and reinstall the flexplate attachment bolts.


PART NUMBER PART NAME

F4TZ-6A366-A Flywheel Reinforcement Plate
F81Z-6A366-AA Crankcase Spacer
F4TZ-6A369-A Engine Spacer

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY
OASIS CODES: 497000, 504000, 597997, 601300, 603300

 

Nice Huck. I was looking for the exact info. to post up.

 

Hey mark, my early '99 has a rattle when the TC is unlocked. I found a TSB on it too. My truck only has 47K on it and it has rattled ever since I've had it. Is this something that I should be worried about?
Thanks

No problem, Dan.

 

I followed this TSB on the last one to the "T", however this time it only lasted 1800 Miles. The only after market is the Plug in EDGE with Attitude, but I keep it on Mileage setting (nice to get 21 MPG). I'm not hauling anything excessive, the occasional tandem/with about 1400 lbs on the bumper pull...

 

Yes, it is. The converter will eventually fail. I don't know how long it will take, but it will be adding metal filings to the ATF as it wears out.