The four flywheel bolts

[Larry Jenkins]

When I took the flywheel off by taking out the four hex head, drilled bolts, I saw that all for of the heads had wear marks on them, indicating some kind of interference.

If this is normal, can I take a skim cut on the bolts heads using my metal lathe to get the proper clearance?

Any ideas why they all have marks on the heads of the bolts? I have a new clutch plate ready to install.

Thank you!

Larry

[Patrick L.]

Where is the wear located ?

[George Miller]

Do you have the right bolts. They have a thin head. The clutch plate is hitting them.

[quickchange]

was there the large steel washer ( thin tin plate) with the 4 bolt holes in it there? sounds like it was missing,

[Larry Jenkins]

Originally Posted by quickchange

was there the large steel washer ( thin tin plate) with the 4 bolt holes in it there? sounds like it was missing,

The wear is on top of the heads.

The bolts heads are normal size.

And, walla! There was no plate. I see one in a schematic but mine did not have one.

So now, I need to source the plate and the right bolts. Ideas?

Thanks so much, guys!

Larry

[RandyinUtah]

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Make sure you have the proper bolts for this application. I have seen rear main caps cracked because to long of bolts were used in fastening the flywheel.

[Larry Jenkins]

Originally Posted by RandyinUtah

Make sure you have the proper bolts for this application. I have seen rear main caps cracked because to long of bolts were used in fastening the flywheel.

Another concern.. If I use this washer, which is used to retain the alignment dowels, the bolts would stick out further.

Does any one know how thick the proper bolt heads are?

Edit: Does the washer sit in a hollowed out circle? If so, it may still be in there!

Will look!

[Tom Wesenberg]

I might be able to take a picture of the retainer plate and 4 bolts tomorrow.

I'd bet Bert's would have the plate and 4 bolts. 800-321-1931

[Benson]

Bolts: photo
http://parts.modelastore.com/show_Product.asp?ID=3581

Retainer plate: photo
http://parts.modelastore.com/show_Product.asp?ID=3739

Dowel pin retainer goes into recess on flywheel photo here:

http://parts.modelastore.com/show_Product.asp?ID=3583

Check that your dowel pins have not fallen out ...

Dowel pins here: photo
http://parts.modelastore.com/show_Product.asp?ID=3588

[Jerry in Shasta]

I had that problem, when my flywheel was resurfaced, to much.

I used Chev flywheel bolts which have a thinner head, then locked them in place with a STRONG thread locker.

JB

[jetmek]

Agree with Jerry BUT if you use the chev bolts, they are 1" long- ford bolts are 3/4 Be sure to accurately shorten them so you don't damage engine

[Larry Jenkins]

Originally Posted by Jerry in Shasta

I had that problem, when my flywheel was resurfaced, to much.

I used Chev flywheel bolts which have a thinner head, then locked them in place with a STRONG thread locker.

JB

This is getting pretty interesting..

Now.. Does anyone have a dimension(s) I could check on the flywheel that would tell me if the friction surface has been faced off too many times that would require replacement?

My flywheel friction surface looks pretty nice.

If it is marginal, maybe facing off the bolt heads to a smaller size would compensate.

Opines?

Larry

[Tom Endy]

If the surface of your flywheel has been turned down a number of times it puts the clutch disk closer to the four mounting bolts. If this is the case the springs on the clutch disk may contact the heads of the bolts and leave witness marks. I have ground the heads of the bolts down on some applications to ensure there is clearance.

A way to check is to coat the heads of the flywheel bolts with chalk. Place the clutch disk against the surface of the flywheel and rotate it. If the springs contact they will scrape chalk off the bolts.

Best to obtain another flywheel if you are not able to obtain clearance.

Tom Endy

[colin1928]

Some Clutch discs have damping springs that sit lower than others you may want look at also

[C26Pinelake]

I would do as Tom W suggested and call Berts. Wayne

[James Rogers]

Maybe you don't have a problem. Maybe someone put the clutch disk in backwards at some time before you got the car and corrected the problem after the plate hit the bolt heads.

[RonC]

I wouldn't alter the bolts to fix the problem. While you have it apart check the flywheel depth from the clutch surface to the pressure plate surface. The 2 surfaces should be ground together. Maybe they weren't by the machinist. Also you may have a clutch that is the wrong size. Brattons sells the best clutches. Fort Wayne clutch has good rebuilt pressure plates but buy your clutch from brattons and send it to Wayne so they can adjust the plate fingers to your clutch

[Larry Jenkins]

Originally Posted by James Rogers

Maybe you don't have a problem. Maybe someone put the clutch disk in backwards at some time before you got the car and corrected the problem after the plate hit the bolt heads.

Such great answers!

I thought about maybe someone installed the clutch disc backwards. I just got a new one from Snyders.

Interestingly, the disc I took out has no springs!

I'll do the checks you mention and see what I really have.

We are pretty lucky to have such a great Forum..

Larry

[1955cj5]

Here are some pictures of the bolts, flywheel and retainer plate.

The fist measurement is of the recess depth. The flywheel has probably been surfaced more than once

These are the bolts that came out of a running engine...they may not be original...

The retainer plate is repro..

My old clutch plate had marks also, perhaps it too had been installed backwards for a short time?

Randy

[James Rogers]

If you look at the picture of the flywheel 1955cj5 posted you will notice a recessed ring about 3/16" wide around the area the clutch rides on. If you can distinguish this recess line, your flywheel is ok and the clutch won't hit. I have resurfaced flywheels that this line was completely gone and there was clearance for the clutch.