OK to run the engine without flywheel attached?
06-18-2014, 08:44 AM
#1
OK to run the engine without flywheel attached? While the transmission and clutch are out of my LS1 TA, I will be replacing the rear cover gasket and main seal. Everything is still attached at the front of the engine. Posts about botched installs and subsequent leaks are on my mind. After installation of the new gasket and seal, would there be any problems running the engine without the flywheel attached? Should I lightly support the rear of the engine from the oil pan? If this is not a problem, I will do that and probably let it sit for a while to make certain nothing leaks.
Thanks.
ETA
Should I replace the oil galley plug (barbell) while the cover it off? My engine does not leak oil anywhere, AFAIK. This is just preventative maintenance.
Thanks.
ETA
Should I replace the oil galley plug (barbell) while the cover it off? My engine does not leak oil anywhere, AFAIK. This is just preventative maintenance.
06-18-2014, 08:51 AM
#2
I ran my car with just the flexplate on there (which is like 7lbs) and it ran like ****. As soon as I put the converter on there, it ran perfect.
I don't think it will hurt anything because the engine is internally balanced and you have the damper installed, but it may not run very well without any rotational weight on the crank.
I don't think it will hurt anything because the engine is internally balanced and you have the damper installed, but it may not run very well without any rotational weight on the crank.
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07-07-2014, 07:11 PM
#11
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Yes OP it is safe to run with just the flywheel. I test run all my engines on a stand I have. Don't sit under there while its running and don't be revving it to the moon. Don't wanna see the flywheel turn into a saw blade. I've read horror stories of people loosing limbs from doing that kinda thing.
07-09-2014, 08:26 AM
#14
Unless it's a Vette motor.
"Some" of them were "hot balanced" and that means WITH the flywheel and clutch assembly bolted to the motor, and the clutch assembly as a whole being the determining factor for the final balance.
Just food for thought.
"Some" of them were "hot balanced" and that means WITH the flywheel and clutch assembly bolted to the motor, and the clutch assembly as a whole being the determining factor for the final balance.
Just food for thought.
07-10-2014, 07:33 AM
#16
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The idle calcs in the tune are heavily weighted on the fact that the engine is stock. Changing basically any rotational weight causes major idle upset, until the computer relearns. Will it hurt anything? No. Will you have to baby the gas pedal to keep it running? Most likely.
07-10-2014, 07:51 AM
#17
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I had to replace my rear main, I ran the motor with just a flywheel for about 8 minutes. It was fine, I just let it idle. It idled the exact same as it did when it was put back together.
Make sure you let it idle untill it warms up, with out the trans on, it takes about 4-5 minutes for the oil to actually start dripping down. That way you know if you fixed your leak or not. Also make sure to RTV the corners of the rear cover!
Make sure you let it idle untill it warms up, with out the trans on, it takes about 4-5 minutes for the oil to actually start dripping down. That way you know if you fixed your leak or not. Also make sure to RTV the corners of the rear cover!
I don't, but... 
