Would you trust this flywheel?

[David H.]

I am having my machine shop resurface the flywheel out of my brother's '62. It has some cracks that go over the edge of the machined surface. The machine shop has told me as long as it will not be seeing "heavy hard service" such as drag racing, it should be fine to use. Does anyone disagree with this? Thanks!

[Terry D.]

Re: Would you trust this flywheel?

I would buy a new one and be done with it. Look at the time and trouble you'll have if it doesn't work.
Terry

[David H.]

Re: Would you trust this flywheel?

The only reason I would consider using it is that as far as I can tell it is the original flywheel that came with the car.

[Dan M.]

Re: Would you trust this flywheel?

It MAY be fine. But why gamble for a modest amount to get a new one? Imagine the cost to repair/replace if it does crack or break down the road. Plus the secondary damage it will cause. Is that worth gambling on? My vote would be to replace and be done with it.

[Terry D.]

Re: Would you trust this flywheel?

David
Who is going to know whether you have the original flywheel or not? I understand that having an all original car is nice but let's be practicle about it. Would you drive on tires that old? It's not Judged, no one can see it and won't you feel better not worrying about it?
Terry

[Duke W.]

Re: Would you trust this flywheel?

Short, non-connected cracks in flywheels and brake rotors are okay as long as they don't reach the edge. IMO this flywheel is potentially unshafe.

You should be able to buy a reasonable facsimile, and it's not something that can be seen. Unless you have a 4:11 gear, buy an OE replacement, which should weight about 30 lbs, not the 18 pound "L-88" flywheel.

Duke

[Patrick N.]

Re: Would you trust this flywheel?

My 2 cent: I would replace it as insurance and peace of mind knowing I would not have issues down the road. I asked a similar ques with original motor mounts and went with new ones in the end-I don't need the risk, you know?

If you believe it's original to the car, keep it and offer it with the car if you ever sell.

Pat
68 427 / 400
88

[Joe L.]

Re: Would you trust this flywheel?

All------


I agree; I would not want to use this flywheel. However, there is a problem here. This flywheel should be a GM casting #3729004. I do not think a flywheel of this configuration is currently manufactured or available in reproduction or the aftermarket. It's long-since GM-discontinued.

[John H.]

Re: Would you trust this flywheel?

I wouldn't use it either. In the past, Paragon has sold reconditioned 3729004 flywheels (their #5698), and they still list them; I've used two of them with no issues.

[Michael F.]

Re: Would you trust this flywheel?

Hey if you have a good health policy, run that flywheel. A good surgeon can always sew your foot back on.

Even at lower rpms that flywheel can cause quite a mess when it cuts loose.

[Dale S.]

Re: Would you trust this flywheel?

I have seen quite a few at the dragstrip, you dont want the damage to your Corvette that one can do or to you. Dale

[David H.]

Re: Would you trust this flywheel?

Ok, that's pretty much unanimous on the "dont use it" side of this issue. I think I would have to agree with why take the chance. Maybe I'll just nail it to the wall in my garage instead!

[Mike E.]

Re: Would you trust this flywheel?

For safety's sake, make it a very low nail. Like ankle height.

[David H.]

Re: Would you trust this flywheel?

Good point! I'll try to remember that when I mount it on the wall!

[Mike M.]

Re: Would you trust this flywheel?

David, if you have ever seen the damage one of these can do when they let go, you wouldn't ask.
HaND