billtool

Took the stress off the flex plate today and installed the PKlamp I ordered from Roger a couple weeks ago. I had about 2.5mm in deflection on the flexplate, and when realeased saw an equal amount of spline go home. So checking for crank end play...I swear guys...I couldn't get that flywheel to move even the tiniest fraction of an inch. Prying it toward the motor I could see the flex plate do its job, but moving that flywheel fore or aft just wasn't happening. Big pry bar, big guy, no movement. Car has 54K miles.

Should I just be glad and happily hammer it down the road?

dr bob

Was the clamp(s) loose when you checked the endplay? If there's still preload with the clamp tight, there's no way to get a good measurement.

billtool

Yep - Old bolt was out.

Mrmerlin

make sure you check the rear pinch bolt at the transaxle connection.
I have found many bolts far from being tight, this will require the rear portion of the exhaust to be dropped down

billtool

I had a feeling I wasn't done...thanks. Will do.

Tails

What are you using to check the end play?

The best method (in my opinion) is to use a dial indicator fitted to a magnetic base and you should get a definative movement forward and aft, however it is only a few thouisands of an inch.

It is also possible to measure it with a vernier caliper of an inside micrometer.

When a new bearing is fitted the end play is 0.110 to 0.312mm with a maximum end play in service of 0.40mm.

+1 to Mrmerlin's post regarding the aft flexplate, however the aft (rear) clamp should be tightened up with the forward flexplate clamp released.

Tails 1990 928S4 Auto

billtool

Yeah - I don't have a dial indicator. That would be the ticket. I was using a Starrett vernier caliper. As for as I'm concerned...I'll call it good. I will get back in there though to check the aft clamp. Thanks for the heads-up re: releasing the forward clamp first.

Imo000

You should be able to hear the clunk of the crank moving back and forth. HF might have a dial indicator with a magnetic base for ~$20.

jeff spahn

FWIW, I didn't get any movement in my 90 S4 when I released the flexplate (didn't move on the shaft at all, same position after I loosened the bolt, plate was flat to start with.)
Put a PKlamp on just for good measure.

Jeff

namasgt

You should get movement, even in a new rebuilt engine there will be movement. Maybe loosen the front belts?

Calgary Ole

I'm proud of you my friend. How can the Cresent Man be missing a tool.
See you next visit to The Woodlands.
I also could only get an unmeasurable amount of movement.

Imo000

Did you use a vernier too?

StratfordShark

You will hear a clunk as you pry back and forth.

When I was trying to do job on axle stands I couldn't get any movement as car was just too low to get a good angle with the prybar on flywheel. When I had the car on good ramps it was pretty easy to shift the flywheel and hear the clunk.

I used a digital micrometer to check the play.

Leon Speed

^^^^
That's right, use the prybar on the flywheel, not on the flex plate.

billtool

Yeah...I found myself at the Sears store buying a socket the other day...had to go in wearing a bag on my head!