What to consider when buying a flexplate for a Chevy?
There are four main factors to consider when purchasing a flexplate. The crank style: One or two piece rear main seal. Older style blocks (’55-’85) used a two-piece seal, ’86 and up blocks used a one-piece seal The torque converter bolt pattern: large 11 1/2-inch or small 10 3/4-inch Almost all small-block Chevys are internally balanced.
How big is a torque converter on a flexplate?
A 153 tooth flexplate will be paired with a torque converter that has a 10 3/4-inch bolt circle. A 168 tooth flexplate uses a 11 1/2-inch bolt circle. Some aftermarket flexplates are drilled with both patterns to accept large and small diameter torque converters.
What kind of bolt pattern does a 168 tooth flexplate use?
A 168 tooth flexplate uses a 11 1/2-inch bolt circle. Some aftermarket flexplates are drilled with both patterns to accept large and small diameter torque converters. You can also note that a 153 tooth flexplate always uses the straight bolt pattern starter, and the 168 tooth flexplate uses a angle bolt pattern starter.
What’s the correct bolt count for a flexplate?
The key to choosing the correct bolt pattern and tooth count is measuring the torque converter you are using. A 153 tooth flexplate will be paired with a torque converter that has a 10 3/4-inch bolt circle. A 168 tooth flexplate uses a 11 1/2-inch bolt circle.
What happens when a flexplate goes bad on a car?
A warped flexplate won’t engage properly with the starter motor. So, when you are starting your engine listen for, rhythmic bogging down of the engine, during starting. Consequently, the teeth of the ring gear, can become damaged over time, causing a grinding sound.
Can a bad flex plate be replaced with a new one?
A bad flex plate usually has failed due to either damage or wear and tear, so replacement with a new flex plate is the only solution. Because the flex plate is an integral part of your car’s powertrain, and replacing it involves removing the transmission, a significant amount of labor will be involved.
What can cause a crack in the flexplate?
What Can Cause, A Cracked Flexplate: Out of balance engine or torque converter. Bad starter drive, can cause teeth or ring gear to wear rapidly or break off. Teeth can also break, when engine is running and starter is engaged.
How does the flex plate work on a car?
The flex plate has a ring gear around its circumference, which mates with the starter motor when you start your car. As its name suggests, the flex plate’s thinness and light weight allows it to “flex” and absorb any irregularities in the engine’s power output, as well as minor misalignments between engine and transmission.