Should timing be adjusted after replacing flexpate? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

TimQ · 03-06-2011, 05:55 PM

Have an 86 c-10 with a 4.3 automatic and about 90k miles original engine. I finally tracked down the source of the noise my truck was making and had the cracked flexplate replaced. Wow what a difference.

Since getting the truck back, when cold, it will die when just ideling and seems to have missed a few times while driving. I know just enough to be dangerous but was thinking that maybe the timing is a bit off given the fix to the flexplate. Does that make any sense at all?

Once this latest snowstorm goes away I plan to check the plugs and wires but they are fairly new (less than 2k on them) and the dizzy is only about 6 months old as well - so I doubt that is the problem.

Thanks.
TimQ

85Bowtie · 03-06-2011, 06:56 PM

No, that does not make any sense. The flexplate just ties the engine to the transmission, nothing to do with "when to fire".

**old Rusty C10** · 03-06-2011, 07:52 PM

that sounds like the choke may be loose or not properly adjusted

TimQ · 03-06-2011, 11:40 PM

85bowtie - Thanks. Now that I think about it, of course it wouldn't be the timing.

Rusty...I'll have to check the choke. It was giving me issues in the deep of winter with warm starts...maybe I adjusted it too much.

Thanks!

mstrav1973 · 03-07-2011, 12:24 AM

What was it that the truck did to point you to the flexplate being bad? Did it have excess runout? automatic trans?

Matt

f.monroe · 03-07-2011, 12:29 AM

Take a look at the dist cap and make sure it is not lifted off the base of the distributor . If you took it to a shop to have the work done they may not have supported the engine while removing the trans. I have seen the dist cap lift slightly and cause similar problems . It happens when the engine weight pushes the dist into the firewall when the weight of the engine causess it to tip backwards without the trans to hold it in place .
Frank

TimQ · 03-07-2011, 12:43 AM

The main issue was the noise it made. Was like someone was taking a big spoon to a pile of pots and pans. My first post has a link to an earlier thread with a video that has some of the noise. But it also started leaking tranny fluid pretty bad which is what made me bring it in.

TimQ · 03-07-2011, 12:45 AM

Frank...great tip. I remember reading about that when I was looking at maybe trying it myself. Decided it was over my head and never would have remembered. might explain the odd clicking noise I hear sometimes as well (maybe the rotor hitting the cap somewhere. I'll check that tomorrow once I get all this darned snow cleared.

03-06-2011, 05:55 PM	#1
TimQ Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bellefonte, PA Posts: 81	Should timing be adjusted after replacing flexpate? Have an 86 c-10 with a 4.3 automatic and about 90k miles original engine. I finally tracked down the source of the noise my truck was making and had the cracked flexplate replaced. Wow what a difference. Since getting the truck back, when cold, it will die when just ideling and seems to have missed a few times while driving. I know just enough to be dangerous but was thinking that maybe the timing is a bit off given the fix to the flexplate. Does that make any sense at all? Once this latest snowstorm goes away I plan to check the plugs and wires but they are fairly new (less than 2k on them) and the dizzy is only about 6 months old as well - so I doubt that is the problem. Thanks. TimQ Last edited by TimQ; 03-06-2011 at 05:57 PM.

03-06-2011, 06:56 PM	#2
85Bowtie Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: TN Posts: 410	Re: Should timing be adjusted after replacing flexpate? No, that does not make any sense. The flexplate just ties the engine to the transmission, nothing to do with "when to fire". __________________ '69 Dodge Charger R/T 440, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '68 Plymouth Road Runner 383, 727, 3.23 Sure Grip '89 Dodge Diplomat ex cop car 408, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '77 Dodge Monaco ex cop car 440, 727, 2.71 '79 Dodge 'Lil Red Express pickup 360, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '12 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, M6, 3.92 '85 Chevrolet C-10 SWB 2wd 305, TH350, 2.73

03-06-2011, 07:52 PM	#3
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,310	Re: Should timing be adjusted after replacing flexpate? that sounds like the choke may be loose or not properly adjusted __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

03-06-2011, 11:40 PM	#4
TimQ Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bellefonte, PA Posts: 81	Re: Should timing be adjusted after replacing flexpate? 85bowtie - Thanks. Now that I think about it, of course it wouldn't be the timing. Rusty...I'll have to check the choke. It was giving me issues in the deep of winter with warm starts...maybe I adjusted it too much. Thanks!

03-07-2011, 12:24 AM	#5
mstrav1973 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Meridian, Idaho Posts: 321	Re: Should timing be adjusted after replacing flexpate? What was it that the truck did to point you to the flexplate being bad? Did it have excess runout? automatic trans? Matt __________________ 72 chevy k-10, swb, auto, 35's, rally's, posi, 4" lift, 2.5" old style 40 series flows with headers and crossover pipe and some other stuff!!

03-07-2011, 12:29 AM	#6
f.monroe Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Caldwell,Tx. Posts: 3,648	Re: Should timing be adjusted after replacing flexpate? Take a look at the dist cap and make sure it is not lifted off the base of the distributor . If you took it to a shop to have the work done they may not have supported the engine while removing the trans. I have seen the dist cap lift slightly and cause similar problems . It happens when the engine weight pushes the dist into the firewall when the weight of the engine causess it to tip backwards without the trans to hold it in place . Frank __________________ Born and proudly residing in a Red State !

03-07-2011, 12:43 AM	#7
TimQ Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bellefonte, PA Posts: 81	Re: Should timing be adjusted after replacing flexpate? The main issue was the noise it made. Was like someone was taking a big spoon to a pile of pots and pans. My first post has a link to an earlier thread with a video that has some of the noise. But it also started leaking tranny fluid pretty bad which is what made me bring it in.

03-07-2011, 12:45 AM	#8
TimQ Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bellefonte, PA Posts: 81	Re: Should timing be adjusted after replacing flexpate? Frank...great tip. I remember reading about that when I was looking at maybe trying it myself. Decided it was over my head and never would have remembered. might explain the odd clicking noise I hear sometimes as well (maybe the rotor hitting the cap somewhere. I'll check that tomorrow once I get all this darned snow cleared.

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