I have a 1984 Camaro with the LG4/700R4 drivetrain. Recently, I crawled under the car and was horrified over the discovery of a jagged hole in the bottom of what appears to be a plastic cover. This "plastic cover" is located between the transmission and engine oil pans (if looking underneath the car from the passenger side). Upon closer inspection with a flashlight, I could see a large gear through the hole. I can't tell at this point whether something (ie. road debris) hit this part and tore a hole in it or if a mechanical part blew through it!

I bought this car 4 years ago and have only put about 100 miles on it in that time. It mainly sits in the garage waiting for future restoration. The hole may have been there when I bought it but I think I would have noticed it before now. The car runs and shifts fine although it just recently sprung a messy transmission fluid leak (somewhere near tranny pan).

Can anyone assist me in identifying the aforementioned part? I checked my Haynes repair manual and ran a search here on the boards but had no luck. This whole thing really has me worried and I'm reluctant to even start the car now. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

Thats the flexplate/torque converter inspection cover. You can live without it but if you can get a replacement that would be better then having no cover at all or one with a hole in it. In the long run it wont matter much but w/o it small rocks and debris can get picked up and flung against the inside of the transmission case around the TC and flexplate, which will put nicks and dings in the case.

All in all I wouldnt sweat it. Probably something just hit it and put a hole in it. If there was something that came out internally, youd probably have more problems then just a hole in the cover. Its only four bolts if i recall so you can pull the cover and inspect to be sure.

 

Thanks for your quick reply! I'll replace the inspection cover before I drive the car again...I'd rather be safe than sorry. Thanks again for your help!

 

i haven't used the inspection cover in over 5 yrs. no problems.

 

I never had one either. Other then some extra rust it caused no ill effects.

 

Personally, I'd replace the cover. All the sand, grit, and debris that may get sucked into the flywheel are can't help the starter bendix and bushings, rear main seal, and trans seals.