Flywheel questions...

[Chrispbrown36]

So today while I was putting my oil pan back in I look up at the flexplate and notice a shiny spot. This the best way I can describe it.....On the motor side there is what looks like a two prong fork. One of the prongs is intact and I can see that it is welded in place. The other prong is worn down about a quarter inch or so. So, I assume this is part of the flywheel since the one intact side is welded on, but what could be causing the wear to only one prong and not the other?

[Chrispbrown36]

Sorry forgot to mention....87 Chevy 1/2 ton 4x4 with 5.7L and a 700R4.

[piecesparts]

Does the worn spot look as if the part that is worn sticks out from the flexplate further than anything else on the plate? The torque converters on auto transmissions ballon forward and flex the plate that they are bolted to as the torque converter changes speeds. It is possible that your plate is rubbing on something onthe back of the engine or the starter gear as the balloning is happening. If you listen as you change speeds with your windows open you may hear the scraping noises. To eliminate this, change over to a SFI heavy duty flexplate and this won't happen anymore.

[Chrispbrown36]

It doesn't appear to stick out anymore than anything else on the flexplate. Now this has me worried about what it has been hitting and how worn that is. If it's something on the engine block....this could be very bad. The teeth aren't showing any wear at all.....isn't that where the starter gear would make contact? I had two sounds that I was asking about in another thread....one was a ticking while accelerating and the other was a rubbing sound while slowing down....both of which seem like they could be due to the flexplate issue. If this rain ever backs off I will just have to get under there and see what is going on.....and hope for the best.
The truck has been down for a couple of weeks. I have changed out the intake gasket, valve cover gaskets and all that. I was looking forward to getting her back on the road...looks like it's going to be a little longer now....

[Chrispbrown36]

The circled portion (only one of the prongs) is what is rubbing. I have not rotated it around to see if any other spot is showing wear.

[Pine Bark Auto]

Very worn crank / thrust bearing allowing crank to move back and forth? Look to verify where the rubbing is happening. If it is hitting the block and not just a out of position dust cover, My next move would be to check crank end play. Would have been much easier when the oil pan was off. Good luck and keep us posted as to what you find. Chip.

[Chrispbrown36]

I will get under there and check things out as soon as these storms blow through.....sometime Monday....it sucks not having a garage! Thanks for the suggestions.