Need some help on this topic. I drove through a huge puddle today and when I came out on the other side I heard this noise that sounded like a playing card in a bike rim. So I looked under my car(88' firebird trans am) and found this plastic cover hanging there skimming what looked to be a big sprocket...kinda like the flywheel maybe, my question is; if i pull away the plastic the noise stops but I have a feeling that the plastic serves as some kind of cover/protection for the motor. Sorry, I know I'm vauge about the problem but I need help

Thanks

 

here's a pic of the hanging plastic piece

 

one more

 

Yeah that is your flywheel inspection cover. You should buy a new one, probably isn't too expensive. Check the dealer or even the classifieds or ebay. There's not likely any damage to your motor unless you drove through a pile of rocks as well.

 

thanks for the quick responce

 

yea, thats your flywheel/flexplate

the gear teeth on the outside are what your starter uses to turn the motor over.

now i went 2years without one, but it is cheap insurance.

it just screws back up on there... what probly happened is the screws pulled thru the holes.


if you dont get a new one, you can take that one off, put a lil epoxy on the holes. dont use a blob and go extra thick, the bolts will be too short... just a nice skim over it.

they sell plastic epoxy at your local autoparts and most hardware stores

once it drys, drill a hole where the orignal hole was, and bolt it back up in place. part fixed for about a buck fifty.

 

On my 2.8 v6, it's metal... but- I think they're a good idea in case you ever have the car up on jackstands, and need to start the motor for something. I'd hate to see the flywheel spinning around near my head!