Is my flex plate on backwards?

[late68]

I am having a bad feeling about this, and I think it is but I need some re-assurance. If so what are the issues? I have been having a starter problem!

[late68]

Pics...

[jocko]

I'm afraid she's in backwards. I do believe the raised portion where you have the bolts going through - that raised portion should be on the torque converter side. This vid might help - take a look at time 00:40-00:50 to see what I mean.

Pt. 1: How to Install a Chevy 350 in a Ford...

Putting it in backwards will effectively move the ring gear of the flexplate aft - and by the witness marks on the ring gear from the starter, it would appear that's the case becuase it looks like it's only partially engaging on the forward edges of the teeth - assuming the starter solenoid is pushing the starter gear out the normal amount. Careful many more turnovers and you'll probably ruin the flex's ring gear. But, the real answer/tell-tale sign is the side that the indentations are on. Indented side of the flex bosses should face the engine, not the torque converter.

Sorry man, that stinks. Don't rip it apart til you get another opinion on here - but that's what it looks like to me.

[fakerwade]

sorry dude,,,epic fail!! (it's definitely on backwards)

[late68]

GRRRRR!!! I knew it, I just didnt want to hear it! Back out with the tranny...

[Kerry P]

It's not the best way but I have changed flexplates by just sliding the trans back a couple of inches on some vehicles. Sometimes a torque wrench won't fit so the bolts get torqued by feel with a box wrench. Like I said not the best method but...

[Hotrob72]

Really not that hard, swap out the top bolts for longer shoulder bolts, slide it back on the bolts and then flip the flex plate........yep, I did the same thing.

[oklalawnboy]

That sucks, hope you didn't warp it.

[70CHEVYBB]

For the cost I wold not reinstall it. buy a new one

[RenoKeene]

Originally Posted by 70CHEVYBB

For the cost I wold not reinstall it. buy a new one

Yep, get a new one.

[late68]

Originally Posted by 70CHEVYBB

For the cost I wold not reinstall it. buy a new one

Yea looks like there about $60, so I will gran another one.

[mahanian]

If the teeth on the flexplate are still in good shape I don't see why you would need a new one. Hopefully you weren't driving it like that, the torque converter isn't properly engaged inside the transmission and could cause issues.

[late68]

No it hasnt been driven at all, only starter for about 45 seconds.

[KEL]

One learns by asking questions.
Why does he need a new flexplate if it was on backward for a short time ?
What causes the issue that makes it need to be replaced ?
Thanks

[WIDESIDE72]

Originally Posted by Hotrob72

Really not that hard, swap out the top bolts for longer shoulder bolts, slide it back on the bolts and then flip the flex plate........yep, I did the same thing.

x2

[WIDESIDE72]

Originally Posted by mahanian

If the teeth on the flexplate are still in good shape I don't see why you would need a new one. Hopefully you weren't driving it like that, the torque converter isn't properly engaged inside the transmission and could cause issues.

Even if the starter ate up the edge of the flex plate ring gear, it wouldnt matter after he puts the flywheel on 180 degrees (correctly) as the bad part would then be on the back side away from the starter. If anything it might have messed up the bendix gear. Even that is not tto expensive if you can find a mom and pop store to seel just the gear. Most chain stores look at you like you just got off a space ship when you ask for something like that!