Flex Plate reminder
07-01-2012, 11:36 PM
#31
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Hi Jimd70,
PKlamp is easy to install.
A suggestion: I would post a new thread about finding any good mechanics in the Albany, NY area and if anyone wouldn't mind maybe coming by to help you with your crankshaft measurements. If you ask in this thread not many will see your questions.
Your symptoms are a bit alarming but could be due to other reasons.
Best regards,
PKlamp is easy to install.
A suggestion: I would post a new thread about finding any good mechanics in the Albany, NY area and if anyone wouldn't mind maybe coming by to help you with your crankshaft measurements. If you ask in this thread not many will see your questions.
Your symptoms are a bit alarming but could be due to other reasons.
Best regards,
07-02-2012, 11:40 AM
#33
Pro
I own an'85 euro A/T that I bought from Steve Cattaneo 2 years ago. I just tried to release my flex plate today and it did rebound a little. I don't think I was able to make the flywheel to move back and forth. I did do an oil change at the same time and noticed some aluminum particles in the oil filter. I only hope the damage is minimal. I took it out for a test drive +/- 10 miles city and highway. The car ran much better than it did prior to releasing the allen screw on the clamp. It still sounds as though it's bogging a little and the check engine light came on at idle when stopped and at low speed when I lifted off the gas pedal. My concerns are as follows: If I switch to the super clamp, will it stop future damage? Are they very difficult to install? I only have ramps and jackstands. Am I better off bringing it in? I see that it's HIGHLY advisable to release it at EVERY oil change. Is this do-able with limited clearance? any help is appreciated. I DON'T WANT TO BE THE NEXT WITH CATASTROPHIC FAILURE!!!
and as far as instalin the super clamp, your tranny and torque tube must come out of the car
07-02-2012, 12:32 PM
#34
My new to me last year 85s with 100k miles on the clock had zero flex plate pressure. When I loosened it I was almost disappointed that it did not pop back. Still I went ahead and put a pklamp on it and will check soon and once more before winter. You can never be to carefully.
07-02-2012, 02:14 PM
#35
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07-02-2012, 03:03 PM
#36
Chronic Tool Dropper
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I want to add a little to this, reminding owners that a replaced torque tube renews the need to measure endplay. Some repair places and certainly some DIY installations include pushing the auto trans driveshaft coupling during transmission installation. Following any trans removal/installation, it's important to make sure there is no new preload on the crankshaft. Easiest way to check is by verifying endplay on the crank with a dial indicator, same as you would after relieving flexplate loading. The crank must move freely end to end in that freeplay range; if you have to hold it one way or the other to get a reading, something is pushing or pulling on the crank and it needs to be fixed before driving.
And maybe some clarity on releasing preload: If you check regularly and see some load released each time, you need a more serious fix than just releasing the pressure each time. Might just take the LocTite, maybe the PKlamp is enough, or you may need Constantine's clamp. Your goal is a fix that doesn't allow axial load to build between checks, whatever that takes. Success is defined as no preload at all on the crank bearing when you check it, and the correct crank endplay when you measure.
And maybe some clarity on releasing preload: If you check regularly and see some load released each time, you need a more serious fix than just releasing the pressure each time. Might just take the LocTite, maybe the PKlamp is enough, or you may need Constantine's clamp. Your goal is a fix that doesn't allow axial load to build between checks, whatever that takes. Success is defined as no preload at all on the crank bearing when you check it, and the correct crank endplay when you measure.
