The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Flywheel off to test for vibration

In order to try to locate the vibration in my engine, I plan to remove the clutch and pressure plate and run the engine to see if that changes anything. (I doubt it as the vibration is present with the clutch engaged or disengaged). Next, I plan to remove the flywheel and see if that makes a difference, but I can't remember if the '57 235 passenger car engine may be balanced in some way by the flywheel. If so, running the engine with it removed won't tell me anything.

Thanks,

Do check the engine mounts are not collapsed , when they sit down on the frame the vibration is very noticeable.

235 flywheels are neutral balanced.
How are you going to start it without a flywheel?

It will be very hard to start the engine with the hand crank after the flywheel is removed. The flywheel provides the inertia to carry the rotating mass through 60 degrees to the next firing cycle.

The pressure plate spins with the crankshaft whether the clutch is engaged or released. It would be possible to simply unbolt it from the flywheel and run the engine with it hanging on the transmission input shaft without any further disassembly. That would also keep the clutch plate from turning. Just loosen up the clutch adjustment several turns or disconnect the linkage to give the throwout bearing plenty of room to move back. Starting the engine without a flywheel ring gear attached would be interesting to watch!
Jerry