Flywheel

[TomJ]

Hey all:

Got the engine pretty well put together but feel a little unsure about the next step.  I've got a stack of manuals and how-to stuff on building but one thing I haven't found clearly spelled out is putting the flywheel on. (by the way, working on a '51 CJ3A with a converted MB motor). What are the particulars for aligning the flywheel when you bolt it on? I'm assuming the bolt pattern will help with it generally, but is there anything else to watch out for? For those of you who have already done this, is a homemade alignment tool OK for getting the clutch on straight?
Any opinions, critique's, advice most welcome!!  The help on this site has made all the difference on this project, my hat is off to you guys who did one of these before all this was available!!

Tom

(hope to get some pictures on here soon of what we have at this point)

[p3ferris]

Be sure that you have it pointed in the right direction.  T D C markings forward and you will use the bolts to get it on not a hammer.  Tighten the bolts to draw it into place evenly.

[TomJ]

Do you have to line the TDC mark up with any reference point on the engine?

Tom

[athawk11]

Hi Tom

I am no expert, and the technique I used to align my new clutch will probably make the more astute members cringe. �But what the hell.

First, �I marked the exact position of my flywheel before I removed it. �I had no problems putting it back on, but I believe it will only install the right way and 180 degrees off. �Not sure if that helps you or not.

This is where it gets strange. �I actuallly used my assembled transmission with the imput shaft as the alignment guide when installing my new clutch. �Built up some blocks, put the transmission on them, slipped the transmission and shaft into the clutch, tightend the clutch plate and wa-la...done. �A little cumbersome, yes. �But one advantage I discovered by doing it this way was it aligned the splines. �When it was time to reinstall the transmission to the bell housing, the splines on the shaft were in perfect position and everything just slipped right together. �I had read that making this connection during reassembly can be a real nightmare. �Not for me. � �

To all the Pros out there...I know, I'm nuts, but it did work quite well for me.

Tim

[Carls_jeep]

When you install the flywheel you have to have the #1 piston on TDC with both valves closed like it's ready to fire. Then you put the flywheel on with the TDC mark on the right side of the engine where the distributor is. That should line it up in the inspection window.

[F Bill]

Not nuts, but one way to do it when you don't have a spare input shaft to use as an alignment tool.  NAPA used to include a cheapie plastic alignment tool with their clutch assemblies, and they arean't quite as precicely made as the factory input shaft, so you still had to fiddle around a little with disc alignment.

Any port in a storm works , in my book.  

[RA472A]

Be careful  when bolting the pressure plate to the flywheel as the torque specs only about 17lb.  

[jeffb]

Would appreciate your opinions.  I just pulled my "stuck" motor yesterday.  Stripped it down and turned it over to fill pistons.  Found about 1/5 of the flywheel gears missing about 1/2 of the teeth on starter side.  Should I plan to replace the flywheel?  The teeth on the bendix gear are fine but I found a piece of gear on the floor near where I turned the motor over - appears to be part of an old bendix gear.  Apparently some abuse along the way for this 51.  Thanks for the help.  jeffb in sd

[Bob W]

The ring gear can be replaced without getting a new flywheel. Count the teeth to be sure you get the correct gear for your starter.