1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Auto to manual counterweight question

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Old 01-30-21, 01:44 PM
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Auto to manual counterweight question

I just removed the flywheel (auto) and need to install the manual one.
The counterweight from the auto is still on, I do remove it right?
Is it threaded on? Sorry this is my first attempt at such a feat.
Old 01-30-21, 01:52 PM
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yes the counterweight has to come off to install a stock manual flywheel. OR get a lightweight flywheel and just bolt it to that counterweight.
Old 01-30-21, 01:53 PM
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I was afraid of that. Any tips on getting it off? Yeah I broke the strap in my purse already trying..
Old 01-30-21, 04:08 PM
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The flywheel is a taper onto the eccentric shaft, and there is a key to set the rotation.
. The shop manual shows a special tool that is a puller, you could make a simple one with a bar with 2 holes in it.
Some people use a big prybar under that flywheel and give it a good whack with a hammer.
You can sell that auto flywheel, as mentioned they work with the aftermarket light flywheels.
Old 01-30-21, 04:18 PM
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Put the flex plate back on and wack it with a brass hammer by the ring gear. Several blows should make it rock loose. Hammer needs to be brass so it won't damage anything. Rubber mallets don't work.
Old 01-31-21, 07:53 AM
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There are probably many people with a lightweight flywheel that would be willing to help get it off. The problem with that is it may come up missing when they leave... LOL 😜
Old 01-31-21, 06:34 PM
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Yeah I really don’t want to go the light route. I have a stock one resurfaced and ready to go. Might try a wheel puller, I’ve been prying on it, no joy so far.
Old 01-31-21, 10:03 PM
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Originally Posted by mustanghammer
Put the flex plate back on and wack it with a brass hammer by the ring gear. Several blows should make it rock loose. Hammer needs to be brass so it won't damage anything. Rubber mallets don't work.
Since I'm assuming mwpayne isn't going to be reusing it, just whack on the flexplate with a mini sledge. Thread the flywheel nut back on a couple turns so the assembly doesn't land on anyone's foot.

Mark the year on the counterweight in case you forget because they're not the easiest to distinguish.

Last edited by j_tso; 01-31-21 at 10:05 PM.
Old 02-01-21, 08:38 AM
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Giving a flywheel (OE or Aluminum) a good couple of wacks has never failed for me. Even flywheels that were last attached in Hiroshima. Also never had to use a pry bar, just the hammer.

Brass hammers are dirt cheap at places like Harbor Freight and they don't mess anything up. Good tool to own. But yeah, if the flex plate has no value, have at it.
Old 02-01-21, 11:18 AM
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Great info I’ll go by HF for that brass hammer first. Looking elsewhere those were pretty pricey.
Old 02-06-21, 11:03 AM
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Got it off finally. Should I lube that rubber seal that fits around the flywheel or just clean?
Thought about replacing it but it’s not been leaking, I lean towards if it ain’t broke don’t fix it...
Old 02-06-21, 11:58 AM
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I think I just smear a little oil on it before installing the flywheel.

Personally I'd replace it because it's not easy to get to once it's in the car and I'm paranoid like that.
Old 02-06-21, 01:38 PM
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Originally Posted by j_tso
I think I just smear a little oil on it before installing the flywheel.

Personally I'd replace it because it's not easy to get to once it's in the car and I'm paranoid like that.
Thats a good point.
Old 02-07-21, 09:08 AM
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That seal removed by first removing the 6 bolts surrounding it, or is it popped out with a screwdriver or something?
Old 02-07-21, 10:13 AM
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The 6 bolts hold the rear stationary gear. Pop the whole thing out and you can remove the rear seal on a workbench with a screwdriver or seal puller.
You could remove the seal in place if you can pull on it with some sort of hook tool that won't scratch the eccentric shaft.

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Old 02-08-21, 12:18 PM
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Note that on the internal side of the stationary gear there is an o-ring that you need to be aware of. Make sure it isn't damaged when you pry out the stationary gear.
It can be purchased separately:
https://www.atkinsrotary.com/store/7...3-10-555A.html

Old 02-09-21, 08:54 PM
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that counter weight is gold... hard to find .. mark
and hold on to it..
Old 02-09-21, 10:04 PM
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Racing Beat had a number of these available when I bought my light aluminum flywheel several years ago - you might check with them, but as others have said, hang onto it because it's valuable.
Old 02-09-21, 10:11 PM
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Originally Posted by LongDuck
Racing Beat had a number of these available when I bought my light aluminum flywheel several years ago - you might check with them, but as others have said, hang onto it because it's valuable.

just looked. .. they do have them


Last edited by JOE68; 02-09-21 at 10:18 PM.
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