Engine Flywheel condition

[Sawjaws]

I know this seems like a silly question, but I'm going to ask it anyway. Would you try to turn this flywheel, or just replace it? I know... It's gotta come off either way. Man... I just thought this project was going to be a simple clutch replacement and some new seats, but here we are. lol

And if replacing it is the answer. How do you propose I get the bolts off? I can already see the heads stripping almost immediately if I try anything less than tons of PB Blaster a torch and a powerful impact (which I do not have). Any other tricks? I have a welder if things escalate I guess, but maybe someone has a trick they use?

 

[Manic Mechanic]

Replace it not worth the hassle and money. Luk makes a nice one for about the same amount as having one turned.

 

[Belizean]

^^^^^^ X2

 

[Sawjaws]

Well... I just spent the past hour looking for the right flywheel for this (5.0L AMC 304 V8) and apparently the only ones I can get that fit are a Hays (over $600) or an Omix (which I hear sucks, and I saw 2 reviews saying that it came out of balance from the box). So, I think this is getting turned.

Luk does not have any available anymore, not this specific one anyway. This is a 164 tooth external balance flywheel that is specific to the 304 V8.

Google suggests a bunch of model numbers, but they are all for the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l V6 or the 360 or 401 V8.

I might be screwed...

 

[Manic Mechanic]

You can get a 360 fly wheel then have it match balanced by a machine shop.

 

[Sawjaws]

You can get a 360 fly wheel then have it match balanced by a machine shop.

Thank you. That would be the way to go... I don't know how much they would charge yet, but I wouldn't think it to be egregious. Thank you so much!! You're my new favorite human!

 

[Jeep Soup]

My Nickel.95.....
At the 1:00 position, it looks like your Flywheel was a Major Crack just outside of the Bolt circle.

Bad News Bears !!
Replace the Flywheel especially if you value your ankles.

 

[Sawjaws]

Update on the flywheel. I got it pulled off and cleaned up a bit. Maybe not as bad as I thought. I don't think that mark is a crack, just a rust stain. There does seem to be very tiny surface fractures, but nothing very alarming at all. Since it's so hard to find this particular part, It's going to get turned.



I do appreciate everyone's input on here. I love this community already. Very helpful and insightful!

 

[Belizean]

I got mine done and a new gear band or whatever that is called.

 

[Jeep Soup]

I got mine done and a new gear band or whatever that is called.

"Starter Ring Gear" up here in the Great White North.....

 

[Sawjaws]

Welp... Got it turned and it looks pretty good. Even got them to flip the ring gear for me since the starter side before was showing wear. Goes back on this evening. We'll See how she goes!

 

[Jeep Soup]

It Cleaned Up very well.
Good call to flip the Starter Ring Gear.
Keep us posted on the final results.

 

[Sawjaws]

Well... The New clutch is in. Transmission and Transfer Case (with a new gasket between them) are installed. Both driveshafts with all new U-Joints (the bane of my existence until I finally bought a ball joint press) are installed. New release bearing, bellcrank linkage parts are installed and greased. Clutch pedal adjusted. Motor running and the rig is moving as it should under it's own power in the proper gears!!! I don't know if it's in 4 wheel or not yet, but the hard work is done and works well!