Question about Flexplate on SBC 400 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

svgould · 11-12-2005, 08:17 PM

Hi,

Can the flexplate on a SBC 400 be installed backwards?? If so, how do you tell which side faces the engine and which side faces the tranny? I tried to start my new motor today, but the starter teeth don't retract enough to clear the ring gear on the flexplate.....it is barely hitting, just rubbing. I tried two different starters and both do the same thing. Just wondering if my flexplate is on backwards if this is possible??? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,

Longhorn Man · 11-12-2005, 08:31 PM

yes it can happen.
I'll dig through my pics and see if I can come up with an answer on which way is right.

Longhorn Man · 11-12-2005, 08:35 PM

nope unable to locate a good pic.

sorry

margie's71 · 11-12-2005, 08:48 PM

Of course just about everything can be put on backwards !!!!
Looking at the 400sbc flexplate the balance weight should be facing the front of the engine (should be next to the rear main seal). Also if you inspect the center bore for the crankshaft will have a small flare on the torque-convertor side, Good luck,check your starter again

larry may · 11-12-2005, 09:12 PM

I had a situation where starter conflicted with the flex plate. Ended up putting a shim above the starter, between the block and starter. Long time ago ' but thinking that solved the problem!

svgould · 11-12-2005, 10:30 PM

OK,

My flexplate balance weights are facing the engine....which should be correct. Is there a way to shim the starter itself in the horizontal direction? I already have the correct shims/gap for the vertical mounting. My problem is in the horizontal direction and I don't know how to shim in that direction if it is even possible???

pritch · 11-12-2005, 10:44 PM

Isn't there a little tin piece that goes inbetween the crank and flexplate (or flywheel) on the SBC 400? It's more or less round, but with a eccentric on one side. The only SBC 400 I ever took apart had this, and one time my friend was rebuilding one, and he asked me if I'd ever heard of this part and I said as a matter of fact I have one and gave it to him. I can't remember what he called it, but it would make a fine shim in addition ot it's other function. Heck, maybe that IS it's function.

**VetteVet** · 11-13-2005, 01:22 AM

here is one but it doesn't help much.

---------------------------------

cst70rocket · 11-13-2005, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pritch

Isn't there a little tin piece that goes inbetween the crank and flexplate (or flywheel) on the SBC 400? It's more or less round, but with a eccentric on one side. The only SBC 400 I ever took apart had this, and one time my friend was rebuilding one, and he asked me if I'd ever heard of this part and I said as a matter of fact I have one and gave it to him. I can't remember what he called it, but it would make a fine shim in addition ot it's other function. Heck, maybe that IS it's function.

That's for using an internal balance flexplate on a 400 crankshaft.

11-12-2005, 08:17 PM	#1
svgould Active Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Boise Idaho Posts: 296	Question about Flexplate on SBC 400 Hi, Can the flexplate on a SBC 400 be installed backwards?? If so, how do you tell which side faces the engine and which side faces the tranny? I tried to start my new motor today, but the starter teeth don't retract enough to clear the ring gear on the flexplate.....it is barely hitting, just rubbing. I tried two different starters and both do the same thing. Just wondering if my flexplate is on backwards if this is possible??? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance, __________________ 1971 SWB SOLD LT1 motor / 4l60E transmission ECE front dropped spindles with stock height springs 4" rear springs Coys Wheels 18 x 8 all the way around Hydratech hydroboost brake system

11-12-2005, 08:31 PM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Question about Flexplate on SBC 400 yes it can happen. I'll dig through my pics and see if I can come up with an answer on which way is right.

11-12-2005, 08:35 PM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Question about Flexplate on SBC 400 nope unable to locate a good pic. sorry

11-12-2005, 08:48 PM	#4
margie's71 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: texas Posts: 7	Re: Question about Flexplate on SBC 400 Of course just about everything can be put on backwards !!!! Looking at the 400sbc flexplate the balance weight should be facing the front of the engine (should be next to the rear main seal). Also if you inspect the center bore for the crankshaft will have a small flare on the torque-convertor side, Good luck,check your starter again

11-12-2005, 09:12 PM	#5
larry may Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: MISSOURI Posts: 3,256	Re: Question about Flexplate on SBC 400 I had a situation where starter conflicted with the flex plate. Ended up putting a shim above the starter, between the block and starter. Long time ago ' but thinking that solved the problem!

11-12-2005, 10:30 PM	#6
svgould Active Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Boise Idaho Posts: 296	Re: Question about Flexplate on SBC 400 OK, My flexplate balance weights are facing the engine....which should be correct. Is there a way to shim the starter itself in the horizontal direction? I already have the correct shims/gap for the vertical mounting. My problem is in the horizontal direction and I don't know how to shim in that direction if it is even possible??? __________________ 1971 SWB SOLD LT1 motor / 4l60E transmission ECE front dropped spindles with stock height springs 4" rear springs Coys Wheels 18 x 8 all the way around Hydratech hydroboost brake system

11-12-2005, 10:44 PM	#7
pritch Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hoytsville, Utah Posts: 3,365	Re: Question about Flexplate on SBC 400 Isn't there a little tin piece that goes inbetween the crank and flexplate (or flywheel) on the SBC 400? It's more or less round, but with a eccentric on one side. The only SBC 400 I ever took apart had this, and one time my friend was rebuilding one, and he asked me if I'd ever heard of this part and I said as a matter of fact I have one and gave it to him. I can't remember what he called it, but it would make a fine shim in addition ot it's other function. Heck, maybe that IS it's function. __________________ '68 Panel Project Boogie Chillin' '68 C-10 Ol' Green

11-13-2005, 01:22 AM	#8
VetteVet Msgt USAF Ret Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 8,718	Re: Question about Flexplate on SBC 400 here is one but it doesn't help much. --------------------------------- Attached Images __________________ VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative.

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