Flywheel Teeth

[motormayhem]

Well my starter did the stick on thing while I was driving yesterday and I was able to kill it in about 8 sec. I pulled the inspection cover on the tranny today and all the teeth are fine except for two. They are worn down about 5/8 of the way and are right next to each other. I just finished fileing the metal arund the two teeth so they are the same shape they are supposed to be. I don't want to replace the whole flywheel for 2 teeth. Is it possible to tack a small amount of weld and file it into the shape of the teeth to fix the problem or can you not weld on the flex plate? I am going to take a picture right now. It is sitting apaprt in my driveway right now and I need it for tomorrow so any quick replies would be much appreciated.

 

[Westech]

you can try but it prob going to not be just right and grind the teeth off the starter when it passes over the welded teeth. I mean if your good with a welder and a file go for it! I would try it in a min if I could avoid replacing the flex plate.

 

[motormayhem]

Well I am going to go for it and just keep at it untill they are identical to the others. I am pretty handy with a welder so hopefully it will work.

 

[NDT]

You mean the starter kicked on while you were driving down the street? Yikes. I thought the problem was the relay stuck when you crank it. I have my relay dangling under the dash out of fear, now I will put a kill switch also.

 

[motormayhem]

Ya I was driving down a dirt road and hit a bump and the starter just came on. I too had mine dangling down so I could kill it fast, but it took me a few second to stop, figure out what the hell was happening and kill it. It sounded at first like a belt squealing bad and then it continued when I shut the truck off. I wouldn't even bother with a kill switch I would just replace it with a better relay. It is worth the $20 relay to save the starter and flywheel. I welded it up this morning and my DD is back on the road!

Thanks,
Miles

 

[gringeltaube]

.................... Is it possible to tack a small amount of weld and file it into the shape of the teeth to fix the problem............

Yes! Perfectly weldable steel. Best if you have MIG.
I've repaired many that way, normally more than 2 bad teeth.
Never did it on a mounted flywheel, though.



G.

 

[Kennay]

if it has a press on ring gear, just replace it while you have it apart. It should only take a few minutes to knock the old one off, and then a few minutes with a torch to put a new one on. Simple, and it should only cost about 25-30 bucks.

 

[motormayhem]

I welded it and it seems fine so it is back together and I have put 5 starts and about 50 mi on it and no problems .