Missing flywheel inspection cover

[Kenster]

In the process of figuring out a no-start problem over the weekend, most likely a starter issue, I noticed that the ring gear/fly wheel cover seems to be missing. I assume there is suppose to be one? I can see the gear and what looks like holes for bolts, but no cover. Is this a critical issue.

If I am indeed calling it the right thing, it looks like one will run about $30.

Here's a picture of what I'm talking about:

[frontshadow]

Have seen many in my day running without one....inspection plate/cover. It should be there to keep gravel and debris from making it's way inside the bell housing and doing "whatever".

[Harleydave]

Not a lot of money, but a big job. You have to pull the transmission, bellhousing, and flywheel.

[Kenster]

Originally Posted by Harleydave

Not a lot of money, but a big job. You have to pull the transmission, bellhousing, and flywheel.

Dang! Really?? It looks like it would just slide up there and bolt in.
I guess it's going to have to wait. Maybe a long time. I NEVER drive it on dirt/gravel roads and avoid driving in the rain, too.

[Lee12609]

many daily drivers on the road without them, no need to worry.

[madstang78]

to some extent wouldn't it also act like a little bit of a starter shim, since when it is in place the starter is on top of it?

[22GT]

The lower part installs in about 5 minutes, but if the upper part is missing, you need to separate the trans from the engine, remove the flywheel, and slip it in. Prob'ly take 4 hours on a lift.

[22GT]

Originally Posted by madstang78

to some extent wouldn't it also act like a little bit of a starter shim, since when it is in place the starter is on top of it?

Yeah, about 1/16"

[65fastback6]

Originally Posted by madstang78

to some extent wouldn't it also act like a little bit of a starter shim, since when it is in place the starter is on top of it?

The starter is not on top of it, you can remove or install the inspection
cover without touching the starter.

[GypsyR]

He's missing the entire engine plate, not just the little cover.
My old 289 C4 '68 was missing just the plate. Some how a a fair-sized rock bounced off the road and up in there. Beat up the inside of my bellhousing pretty good and knocked the aluminum end of my starter clean off. I've never ever run without an intact cover since.

[STLMustangGuy]

Kenster,
What engine and transmission do you have?

[Kenster]

Originally Posted by STLMustangGuy

Kenster,
What engine and transmission do you have?

200-6/ C-4.

I haven't crawled under there to really check it out yet but it looks like just the bottom is missing. Isn't that just a semi-circle bolt on inspection plate?
It looks easily accessible without dropping the tranny.

[Lee12609]

ah yeah if its the inspection plate its easy to install, if its the block plate, which i doubt, you'll have to pull the trans and flexplate.

its hard to tell from the picture but without the flexplate your starter would be too deep by a small amount which should be making noise when you start it.

[TheDude]

I would not drive much without it. It is made to keep debris out of moving parts. Yes, apparently there are lots of cars missing these plates for some reason. My car was no exception but it was only missing the bottom plate.

[Harleydave]

Yup, sorry... Automatic transmission is different. may just be a cover that bolts on the bottom. Manual transmission is a full cover that outlines the bellhousing.