Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Resurfacing a fly wheel, do not use a lathe?

[Cowboy Medic]

I have never been involved with the resurfacing of a flywheel before, this is only my second manual vehicle ever. When I ordered my clutch, from South Bend they said if I ever needed to resurface the fly wheel to make sure it was never done on a lathe, but on an actual resurfacing machine. I agreed and will make sure of that, if it is ever necessary, but I am now kind of curious as to what the difference is so that I don't get taken for a sucker. Do any of you guys know?

 

[Ray Torresdal]

lathe vs. resurfacing machine

I would hate to hazard a guess as to how many flywheels we've faced on a lathe - mostly for N14 Cummins, and ag equipment. I am curious as to what they consider a "resurfacing machine" - a Blanchard type grinder?? There is always the possibility that there is something about the SBC that they prefer a ground finish to turned, but with the new wiper inserts a turned finish can be so close to ground that most will not be able to tell the difference!



Ray

 

[parcher]

I think they're looking for a non-directional finish. If a lathe was the only thing available I'd hit the flywheel with a disc sander as a last step while it was still turning on the lathe.

 

[RonaldLarson]

Blanchard grinding

This is the only accepted resurfacing method for flywheels. As mentioned above, the surface after grinding is non-directional, but just as important, Blanchard grinding leaves a flatter surface because the pressure from the grinding stone inserts is applied to the full face of the flywheel simultaneously. The spiral form of the turned surface would try to tear the clutch face off the disc, and would not match the smoothness of the ground surface.

Ron

 

[LSMITH]

The ground surface has merit, but Ray has a very good point about tooling and knowing how to use it where a lathe is concerned.

 

[Cowboy Medic]

So basically it is about a smoother surface. Would this be even more important for guys using exhaust brakes because of the torque in both directions?