Ugh!...Broken Teeth
 

Well...the big weekend is over and I had a good few days of running in LBI NJ. However, I now have an embarassing problem with my 454 330hp Alpha (1987). It seems that 1 or 2 teeth on the flywheel went missing sometime during one of the startups earlier in the season (when I had water in my engine - now fixed). It has been starting fine while home on the trailer and a few times out on the water...until yesterday PM. It seems that I hit the jackpot when the gap in the flywheel lined up with the starter gear..zzzzzzpppp! :(

Well, after cursing at the launch ramp and getting my 3/4" socket to bump the engine slightly, everything works good...but I now know I am on borrowed time with the starter gear and the flywheel. I was just looking at ebasicpower.com and I practically fell over looking at the flywheel prices as well as the coupler (might as well do that if I have the engine out). Don't they make these things cheaper?? :hothead:

Does any of my OSO bretheren have a USED flywheel and "like new" coupler for a 454 Alpha 1 that they would sell me cheap? This 330hp 454 is only going to be in my boat another 2 seasons or so and I don't want to dump alot of $$ into it.

Please PM me if you can help!

Thanks!

-Larry

Re: Ugh!...Broken Teeth
 

Put a new ring gear on it, should be $40 or so.

Re: Ugh!...Broken Teeth
 

I thought of that, but we don't have any machine shops nearby that will do it for that cheap. They want at least $100 plus labor. The thing that burns me is that I think the flywheel is a stock 454 automotive version. Maybe I am wrong.... :o

I also should get a coupler while I am at it. :rolleyes:

Thanks!

-Larry

Re: Ugh!...Broken Teeth
 

You heat the ring gear with a torch, it grows and will literally fall into place. When it cools it shrinks and grips the flywheel.....you don't need a machine shop.
Good luck
Ed

Re: Ugh!...Broken Teeth
 

You can heat the ring gear in the oven, if you don't have a torch handy. 300° is sufficient.

Re: Ugh!...Broken Teeth
 

When you said broken teeth, I figured you were going to say they were in the Alpha! :eek:

Yes, it is a standard automotive flywheel for a 454. Sould be able to find one at a truck salvage yard. Shouldn't matter if it needs resurfacing, because the coupler bolts right up to it. Since the moter and drive are coming out, maybe it would be a good time to swap out the transom assembly and go to a Bravo!

Re: Ugh!...Broken Teeth
 

The flywheel is for a manual transmisson not auto.Just make sure it is for the correct year and GM changed from a split rear seal to a full circle seal during that year.The coupler is triangular in shape?I have one in stock new for $149.00 to your door.If you have any questions please call me at 1-800-769-7698 thanks Sean

Re: Ugh!...Broken Teeth
 

If it was closer to Thanksgiving it would encircle the turkey. That way we could kill 2 birds with 1 stone.

Re: Ugh!...Broken Teeth
 

I've got a used one you can have just pay the shipping.Call me with the address.352-262-0398 James

Re: Ugh!...Broken Teeth
 

Sorry for the delayed reply, but I was out of town for a bit. I might be interested in your offer. My only concern is will it fit my engine? I have never had the bell housing off or the engine out of the boat, so I am unsure if it is a one piece seal or 2 piece. Heck, I don't even know if I have a triangular coupler. All I know is the existing coupler does not have the extended sleeve or the zerk fittings.

My stock engine info is as follows:

1987 Magnum 454 Alpha 1 330hp
Engine Serial Number: B745923

Floridianson - Let me know if you think your flywheel will work and how much it will cost to ship to 06903.

Amarket1 (sean) - Please let me know if the coupler you have will be the one for my engine.

Thanks Guys!
:)
-Larry