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

Re: Ugh!...Broken Teeth
 

ttt

Re: Ugh!...Broken Teeth
 

mine is GM #10101171 look on the back of yours when you get it apart .The flyweel came out of a gen v 330 with a one pice rear seal.I did my home work and I think you might have a mark iv and it will not work but we will keep our fingers crossed. I woud think about 30.00 bucks because of the weight.

Re: Ugh!...Broken Teeth
 

FloridianSon,

I know I do not have a Gen V block, so I am pretty sure your flywheel won't work. :(

Thanks anyway for the offer!

-Larry

Re: Ugh!...Broken Teeth
 

You should just get a ring gear. Did you check ebay and see how much these flywheels are worth? By any means don't throw it on a scrap pile. Muscle car enthusiasts want the marine mark 4 flyweels because they never had a clutch on them and are tougher than one that has been surfaced, to them it is basically brand new. Try to find someone who is selling new gm v-8 flywheels(multiple listings) on e-bay, and then ask them if they will sell you a ring gear. It is 168 tooth. Putting on the ring gear is childs play. Removing the old one is easy also. You can heat it to remove or, break it with a chisel. Installing is easy heat it and drop it on with 2 pairs of pliers. you can easily check out the starter too. If you care to , take it apart and inspect the bendix drive and the bushings. You can replace the bendix drive inexpensively the same is so with the bushings. If you have trouble finding parts, I have starter parts, flywheels, and if you absolutely cannot find a ring gear I would sell you a good used one. Whats wrong with the coupler ? I may have It too !

Re: Ugh!...Broken Teeth
 

NAPA sells ring gears