Should I be using washers or locktite on bolts for the flywheel and pressure plate?

[smoknbarrels]

I have searched everywhere in manuals and parts books, but don't see any reference to washers anywhere.. it just seems wrong to me, to just put the flywheel on the crank with no washers!?

and same for the pressure plate, that seems even more crazy since they are regular thread bolts and only like 20 ft-lbs tight (Gr.8 bolts of course) or should I pull everything apart and at least use some locktite??

I tried calling my local GM shop and they are useless, it seems all their mechanics only work with stuff that is 2007 and newer, and if you aren't taking it into them they don't care.

anyone have any knowledge of what i should do?

[msgross]

I would use locktight, washers on a rotating mass could unbalance your crank.... just my opinion. Mine didn't have them on it when I tore it apart....

[smoknbarrels]

did yours have special bolt heads? like how head bolts look, with the bolt head that looks like it has a washer built in it like the photo.. I wonder if I need those or if my regular style grade 8 bolts will do.?

[Ackattack]

I've also seen bolts that have the back side of the head/washer with a kinda serated edge, kind of a locking feature.

[msgross]

can't remember... sorry. maybe someone else can chime in.

[Blue_71]

all of them ive ever done have shakeproof washers on the flywheel. i think alot of people call them star washers


pressure plates normally have lock washers on them. if your using a 12" clutch though, make SURE that you use brand new washers; old washers have a tendency to spread out and will hit the clutch disc

[smoknbarrels]

Originally Posted by Blue_71

all of them ive ever done have shakeproof washers on the flywheel.

I think I will look for these, I had a feeling it was the shakeproof style.. to me regular lock washers would unbalance my engine as they fit quite loose and something told me I need washers. (i think the motor spoke to me).

better off getting it 110% right on a $11,000 engine while it's out.

[Sport/Truck]

Originally Posted by Blue_71

all of them ive ever done have shakeproof washers on the flywheel. i think alot of people call them star washers


pressure plates normally have lock washers on them. if your using a 12" clutch though, make SURE that you use brand new washers; old washers have a tendency to spread out and will hit the clutch disc

Originally Posted by smoknbarrels

I think I will look for these, I had a feeling it was the shakeproof style.. to me regular lock washers would unbalance my engine as they fit quite loose and something told me I need washers. (i think the motor spoke to me).

better off getting it 110% right on a $11,000 engine while it's out.

I just went through this a few days ago.....I called all over, GM said the newer stuff don't use washers.
I still looked for the star washers and ended up getting some at a local bolt supply, they were like what's in the picture. They were weak in comparison to what came off. The ones that came off were a spring steel type and bit thinner. (two had cracks) I tried to hold both styles in my fingers and bend with needle nose pliers. I was only able to bend the style above. IMO the style above are for light duty stuff, and I wouldn't trust them in a hight strength area. - They probably will flatten out anyway.

I ended up using red lock-tight and torquing them down with out washers.

[Billla]

Originally Posted by Sport/Truck

I ended up using red lock-tight and torquing them down with out washers.

I think you'll be fine regardless - they're not prone to coming out. Honestly, it's not that critical of an application

It'll take a little torch action to get them out, though :/

[ChevyDude]

My ARP flywheel bolts specifically say "DO NOT USE WASHERS". Torque to specs and you are good to go. No harm in using a little locktite.

[steelhorse]

Use some loctite on the flywheel,extra protection even if you dont need it.most pressuse plates use lock washers