Engine Flywheel Cleaning and Inspection

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

Clean the engine flywheel (1 or 2) in cleaning solvent.

Fig 1: Cleaning Engine Flywheel
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Dry the engine flywheel with compressed air.
Important: Do not attempt to repair the welded area, if present, that retain the ring gear to the engine flywheel plate. Always install NEW engine flywheel.
Inspect the engine flywheel, automatic transmission, if equipped, for the following:

Fig 2: Inspecting Engine Flywheel
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- 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)
Inspect the engine flywheel, manual transmission, if equipped, for loose or improperly installed flywheel weights, if applicable.

Fig 3: Inspecting Engine Flywheel, Manual Transmission
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

A properly installed flywheel weight should be installed until flush or below flush with the face of the engine flywheel.
Inspection 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 in interference fit onto the engine flywheel and the ring gear should be positioned completely flat against the flange of the engine flywheel.
Fig 4: Loosening Positioned Ring Gear
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.