4 hole flexplate for Fordomatic???


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By Daniel Jessup - 19 Years Ago
I pulled out my old 272 (55 club sedan) some time ago. Reason - awful knocking sound and rear main seal that would not quit. Never thought to check the 55 Fordomatic flexplate until just the other day - it is loosey goosey at both ears, (3 hole ear, one top, one bottom, original to car). 272 does not use much oil, has good power, compression, etc.

Would the flexplate cause the knocking sound and how about that rms issue? Also, what is the application for the updated 4 hole flexplate I have heard rumors about, and can it be fitted to my original torque converter?

Dan

By Gerry - 19 Years Ago
Yes, Had that happen to me long time ago. I bought a newer flex plate and fixed the knock.  Gerry
By MoonShadow - 19 Years Ago
Why fix a know bad part! Get the later type flywheel and be done with it. They pop up on EBAY quite often. Chuck's two bits
By Daniel Jessup - 19 Years Ago
Thanks for the input - would this ever cause the rear main seal to leak?

Dan

By rgrove - 19 Years Ago
This will ABSOLUTELY cause that knocking!  I just replaced my "eared" FP with the stamped 1 piece (I got mine from Tee-Bird products for about $60) and it was like magic - i had been through the whole motor twice over the years, and I knew all the bearings/etc. were good, but I couldnt get rid of that knocking sound.  new flex plate and all is great - silent (except for the music of solid lifters!)

Mine is in a '56 ford with a 292 and an air-cooled F/M, and the new flex plate bolted right up - no need for anything other than what tee-bird shipped me (some reinforcing rings for the center, but thats it)

As for the leaking, I highly doubt that it would cause a leaking rear main.  The looseness of the rivets on the mounting ears is so very little, that I have hard time beleiving that it would have enough wiggle to cause a problem.

I only wish I would have known this when I rebuilt the car in 2002....  I would have spent the $60 for the part gladly to not have to chase the sound!

By MoonShadow - 19 Years Ago
It wouldn't help it to have a vibration at the end of the crank shaft. There are neophreme seals available now for the Y-Blocks. See the Tech Article section off the main page
at: http://www.y-blocksforever.com/tech/html/replacemainseal.html

 They do the job. The rear main can be changed in the car but its a fun project. You need to remove the oil pan, loosen the crank shaft. Take out the rear seal retainer and go from there. If you have basic mechanic skills it shouldn't be a big problem just tedious!

By Daniel Jessup - 19 Years Ago
Believe me, I have replaced that rear main twice already. It holds for a few weeks, almost a month one time. Nice to know what that old knocking sound was. I will order one from T Bird products soon.

Should I check the main bearings and go from there, or should I look for an entire rebuild? I would like to get the car running again and then look to more in-depth restoration.