88 Cherokee Piston Slap? Nope, Cracked Flexplate

I wonder if the hole lined up near one of the 4 bolt holes is for mating reference? Both plates have that same hole in the same spot.

 

Shouldnt matter how the tc bolts to the flexplate. They should line up every 90 rotation.

 

I was mentioning it because of what you said about starting the first bolt in a specific hole. Maybe I misunderstood your point?

 

Sorry. IF there is one hole that has flat spots on it, kinda oval compared to others, start that one first. Looking at the pic of yours doesnt look like it matters

 

Maybe one hole is smaller diameter so there is no play?

 

I got the flexplate torqued to engine yesterday, but couldn't for the life of me get the transmission and engine together by myself. My son is coming over today and I expect to have it all wrapped up.

 

Here's the one i pulled from a minivan today. You can see the oblonged starter hole on the bottom

 

Sometimes I'm a real stoopid Focker.

It helps to use the proper bolts when mating the transmission and engine together...I had the 2 top ones switched with the 2 lower ones. I'm just glad I figured it out before my son did.

 

Gotcha.

 

Glad im not the only mentally challenged one around here

 

Well, now we know there are at least 2 of you that are.

 

It's all back together and it passed a couple of successful test runs around the block.




The only thing now is to address the new oil drip at the bellhousing. The lower inspection plate is missing and it appears to be leaking from torque converter side of things. I've read 2 possible causes...
1) I didn't tighten the pan gasket down correctly. I think it's this because it didn't leak prior to disassembly.
2) Rear main seal.

 

Good job!

 

Right...Awesome Possum

 

This is what I get for trying to reuse a gasket. Gasket failure during installation.


It's better than having to replace the main seal tho.

 

Napa had a new gasket in stock!

I did it right this time...I prepared both surfaces better. I used RTV on the new gasket (engine side) and stuck it to the bottom of the block. I paid special attention to how the gasket fit on the rear crank area. I used a few screws hand tight to hold the gasket in place until the RTV was tacky enough to hold it on its own. I tightened down the screws in opposing patterns until all 100 were tight.

No more leak!