FLywheel for an AMC 360

[Hedgehog]

For starters, I am completely aware that AMC V8 engine are externally balanced in the flywheel. AMC flywheels are specific to the engine displacement.

The meat of the post and question would be. When does a flywheel need replacement?

Going back in time. A couple years ago a tired old AMC 304 was removed and an AMC 360 installed in my CJ. The 360 needed a flywheel so I went to Rob at Willys Works and bought a used one from him. Rob is very careful with his used parts so I trusted his opinion. The surface of the flywheel was somewhat "torn" or "ripped" in places. Even after it was resurfaced the "torn" areas were still there.

The flywheel was installed. For those of you who wonder how the thing was aligned properly. Flywheels are drilled in such a way that they can only go on in one orientation. A mistake simply CAN'T be made. The threads were cleaned, new bolts were installed with blue lock-tite, everything was torqued down.

A new clutch and all that implies was installed. Pilot bearing, clutch disk, diaphragm pressure plate, through out bearing. Even new fork pivot ball and spring.

The T-15 and all that implies were installed. And the clutch chatters, it has driven me nuts.

Now, a T-18 will be replacing the T-15 . Yes, I know what is going to be needed for the install, even new drive shafts.

So, here's the meat of the question. Can the old flywheel be reconditioned. Meaning, can the "torn" areas be welded and the surface be reground. OR when do you know when a flywheel needs replacement? Do you know of a good quality replacement?

 

[CJim7]

Do you think the torn areas have had any effect on the longevity of your clutch?
Im not too sure about grinding and filling as Im not sure how much you are looking at having to do, but it is possible....rebalancing it is the big question.

If you need a replacement, I would highly recommend Bulltear.com

 

[Hedgehog]

That is the main question. I honestly don't know that much about flywheels. They are big heavy flat chunks of precision ground metal. My thought was, "Is it possible to more or less surface weld the flywheel then resurface as usual naturally with the added metal being smoothed at the same time. I do know one thing, I can't stand clutch engagement like the one I have. Also pulling and re-pulling the Transmission until the right combination is found is out of the question for me. I don't know if you've ever had a chattering clutch but the thing shakes the CJ something awful right at the point of engagement. It holds well enough. It's to the point where I simply don't want to start moving in public.

Also, the problem might not be with the flywheel at all. Rob ( I didn't buy the clutch kit from Rob, he says you can get one a lot cheaper than he can sell them for and sends you to those places.) says that he is seeing more and more clutch chatter. He believes it might be related to the springs they are using these days.

 

[Hedgehog]

It seems that flywheel's are somewhat mysterious objects in our engines. I'm not at all sure what you'd have to do to wear one out, well, other than scuff and scar one to the point where it can't be resurfaced.