After swapping engines, ('92 to '90) I didn't notice that the flywheel moved 1/2 inch toward the block and blinded. Obviously, when I tried to start it, it wouldn't. I haven't dropped the tranny yet to see if I can move the flywheel by hand yet. My question is, is this the correct thing to do? Will I be able to move the flywheel back to it's working location fairly easily? Is there anything else that I need to do?

 

The flywheels between 90 and 92 should be the same, they were both 3.1s. Did you get a new flywheel? You shouldnt have to drop the trans to turn the flywheel, just put it in neutral and try to turn the crank over. You can also try dropping the starter to make sure thats not binding anything up.

When you say flywheel, I am assuming you have a manual, do you mean flexplate and you have an automatic? If you have an automatic, you may not have gotten the torque converter in the right way and its binding.

 

I have an automatic. I have the starter off but I forgot to put it in neutral. Yes, torque converter. Duh. Sorry. I assume that didn't get on the tranny correctly and is causing the issue.

 

Apparently the starter from a '92 is different that that from a '90. Not a whole lot different, but enough. Doesn't look like I did any damage, but I won't be able to swap the starters till next weekend when I get paid.

 

I'm looking on Autozone and it looks like the Flexplates are different between '90 & '92. The tranny's are the same though. That's why I need to get the starter for the '90 vise the '92 that I have. The teeth are different. I REALLY hope that I didn't mess up the teeth on the Flexplate.

 

Looks like the Flywheel/Flexplate's are different on the '92 and the '90. One has like 168 teeth and the other 148. The starters are different as well. Go figure. It is an automatic. Yes, the converter has slipped forward. What is the best way to correct this? I haven't figured out an easy way to loosen the bell housing from the engine block without removing the motor mount bolts and lifting the engine again. There is not a lot of room to get a wrench between the block and the firewall.

 

ll.

 

Get the right starter and do whatever you have to do to get the tq convertor seated again. It might be easiest to just lift the engine.

 

You should be able to reach them with a socket, swivel and a long extension. Put a jack under the trans to lower it down a bit so you have easier access to them as well. Impact helps too if you have one.

 

So, after dropping the back of the tranny, unbolting the bell housing from the engine block, removing the starter and unbolting the torque converter from the flywheel, (I forgot to mark it the first time I took it off), I was able to move the torque converter onto the tranny as it should have been. I bolted everything back up, got the correct starter and was able to start the car. It sounds like crap. There's a loud squealing noise coming from the back lower half of the engine. Sounds like the flywheel may now be warped. Starter doesn't always catch and I have to turn the motor over by hand a few turns. Idles like crap...very rough. I guess I lost a lot more tranny fluid than I thought cuz I've put in a quart and it's barely registering on the dip stick. Needless to say, I'm frustrated...

 

Is there a difference between the converters for a '92 and a '90? That's the only thing that I can think of that may be the problem. Any thoughts?