Engine Flywheel Cleaning and Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Refer to SAFETY GLASSES CAUTION in Cautions and Notices.

Clean the engine flywheel (1 or 2) in cleaning solvent.
Dry the engine flywheel with compressed air.

Fig 1: Cleaning Engine Flywheel
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: Do not attempt to repair the welded areas, if present, that retain the ring gear to the engine flywheel plate. Always install a NEW engine flywheel.
Inspect the engine flywheel, automatic transmission, if equipped, for the following:
- Stress cracks around the engine flywheel-to-torque converter bolt hole locations (1)
- Missing balance weights
- Stress cracks around the engine flywheel-to-crankshaft bolt hole locations (2 or 3)
- Welded areas that retain the ring gear onto the engine flywheel for cracking (4), if present
- Damaged ring gear teeth (5)
  
  Fig 2: Inspecting Engine Flywheel
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Inspect the engine flywheel, manual transmission, if equipped, for loose or improperly installed flywheel weights, if applicable.
A properly installed flywheel weight should be installed until flush or below flush with the face of the engine flywheel.

Fig 3: Locating Engine Flywheel Weights
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Inspect the engine flywheel, manual transmission, if equipped, for the following:
- Pitted friction surface (1)
- Scoring or grooves (2)
- Rust or other surface damage (3)
- Damaged ring gear teeth (4)
- Loose or improperly positioned ring gear
  The ring gear has an interference fit onto the engine flywheel and the ring gear should be positioned completely flat against the flange of the engine flywheel.
  
  Fig 4: Inspecting Engine Flywheel
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.