Generation IV External Engine - DIY Flywheel Holder

I've been wanting to make some kind of flywheel holder because I know cranking down the VVT cam phaser bolt is going to take a lot of umph, not to mention R&R of the balancer bolt is always difficult. There is a great tool out there from Kent Moore / SPX Specialty Tools J-42386-A that bolts to the starter flange area and holds the flywheel with interfacing teeth. It runs about $80 new. Here's a picture:

http://www.etoolcart.com/images/products/display/J42386A.1.jpg

I've been keeping my eyes peeled for a used one for a while, but nothing has come up. So I've decided to go ahead and make one. I started with a piece of 1/4" steel scrap and traced the teeth of the flywheel against it. Then I made a bunch of cuts with a thick cutoff wheel as shown.

http://cjnn.xtremefabricator.com/images/LY6swap/ly6swap277.JPG

http://cjnn.xtremefabricator.com/images/LY6swap/ly6swap278.JPG

With a bit of trimming I had a whole bunch of teeth. As you can see mytooth spacing was anything but perfect, so I cut it down to just a few teeth and trimmed to fit. Here is what I ended up with.

http://cjnn.xtremefabricator.com/images/LY6swap/ly6swap279.JPG

http://cjnn.xtremefabricator.com/images/LY6swap/ly6swap280.JPG

http://cjnn.xtremefabricator.com/images/LY6swap/ly6swap281.JPG

Using bits and pieces of scrap, I cut a bridge between two pieces of tube and tacked it together while bolted to the engine. Then I welded it, bolted it back up and tacked another piece to hold my set of teeth. I wish the pictures turned out better - I'm proud of the monster I've created. Yeah it's UGLY, but the tooth engagement is pretty darn good and I think it will serve it's purpose well.

http://cjnn.xtremefabricator.com/images/LY6swap/ly6swap283.JPG

http://cjnn.xtremefabricator.com/images/LY6swap/ly6swap284.JPG

http://cjnn.xtremefabricator.com/images/LY6swap/ly6swap285.JPG

http://cjnn.xtremefabricator.com/images/LY6swap/ly6swap286.JPG

http://cjnn.xtremefabricator.com/images/LY6swap/ly6swap287.JPG

http://cjnn.xtremefabricator.com/images/LY6swap/ly6swap288.JPG

This took me about 4 hours to make from some scrap metal I had laying around from other projects. The Kent Moore tool is certainly worth the money, but this is another way to get the job done if you're on a budget.

Hope it helps someone!

I love making stuff with scraps, and enjoy looking at other peep's homemade stuff! :D Nice job!

USDA prime American ingenuity!!!! Nice work

My .02 cents on a easier way?? Cut a portion of the ring gear off of junkyard a flex plate heat and beat other direction weld accordingly??

Nice work I enjoy trying to build stuff like this and its cool to see other peoples ideas

Nice job....

I took a slightly easier route. Piece of an old sbc flexplate from junk pile. Welded to angle iron and drilled for starter bolts. Works fine even though curved "wrong" way.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--uFRpn-ZLKU/T3BtxHtyqWI/AAAAAAAADjM/6Bnc6UVE4BQ/s640/IMG_0092.JPG

Nice work. I would have done the same if I had an old flexplate laying around.

This is one of those tools where I don't know how I lived without it before.

Came across this thread for those who don't want to make it yourself, I'd say it's worth the money:
http://ls1tech.com/forums/parts-classifieds/1547001-flywheel-flexplate-holders.html

Like seeing stuff like this, good job :usa: