Clutch and flywheel inspection

[neilkuy]

Looking for some inspection advice here.
I bought a used engine for my build and have started to inspect. I was able to see the engine run on video before I bought it, so I am confident it runs and i have some specs, however I don't know much more than that. As I tear it down I am sure I will have some questions on some components appearance and if they need to be replaced.

For starters, there is a small amount of surface rust on the flywheel and a little on the pressure plate.
I have attached pictures. I also have a picture of the clutch plate, please let me know if you can tell if the clutch has plenty of life left.
Since I am in here I was planning to replace the pilot bearing as well.

Thanks in advance.

[bil1024]

I would go with a new clutch and flywheel, since you have it apart might as well.

[edwardb]

Marginal at best. Surface rust, yes, but overall signs of wear. Given the effort to change, I'd replace both now while it's easy. You won't regret it. You wouldn't have to buy the most expensive thing out there to be an improvement.

[Jim1855]

Neil,
You can get the flywheel ground. Not sure what they do with pressure plates but ScotchBrite might be an option if it's just a bit of surface rust. A new disk might be a good plan.
We can talk about the options later.
Jim

[Skuzzy]

The flywheel can be resurfaced, but the clutch and pressure plate should be replaced as they show signs of uneven wear and hot spots.

[edwardb]

The flywheel can be resurfaced...

I went through this on my first build with an engine I bought on eBay. Long story... won't repeat it. The flywheel was rusting and had burn marks similar to the OP's. The clutch was nearly rusted solid. Buying a new clutch was a no-brainer. Pursued getting the flywheel resurfaced. But a standard new OE replacement flywheel was only slightly more expensive and worth it to me to start new. Which is what I'm assuming the OP's is. Of course you can get exotic flywheels (billet, aluminum, etc.) that are much more expensive. But to duplicate what's there wouldn't be that expensive. Hint: If you do buy a new flywheel, make sure to carefully check the imbalance of the one that came off the engine.

[neilkuy]

Thanks for the comments all.

@edwardb, how do I check the imbalance, and how do I use that with a new flywheel.

[Blueblood]

I think what Paul is referring to is that up until the later 80s ford small blocks had an imbalance of 28oz and after that the imbalance turned to 50oz. You will have a very noticeable vibration if you mix them up.

[edwardb]

@edwardb, how do I check the imbalance, and how do I use that with a new flywheel.

Typically an OE replacement style flywheel will have the imbalance cast into the flywheel and there's nothing you need to do other than get the right one. Some aftermarket flywheels have bolt-on weights. Having said that, I'm now remembering you said in your build thread that you're using an LS6. An engine I have no experience with. I'm assuming that's what you're picturing here? A quick Google search indicates that engine may be internally balanced. If so, there won't be any imbalance on the flywheel or harmonic balancer. Something you need to check further if you replace the flywheel. Sorry I can't be any more help than that.

[Skuzzy]

I went through this on my first build with an engine I bought on eBay. Long story... won't repeat it. The flywheel was rusting and had burn marks similar to the OP's. The clutch was nearly rusted solid. Buying a new clutch was a no-brainer. Pursued getting the flywheel resurfaced. But a standard new OE replacement flywheel was only slightly more expensive and worth it to me to start new. Which is what I'm assuming the OP's is. Of course you can get exotic flywheels (billet, aluminum, etc.) that are much more expensive. But to duplicate what's there wouldn't be that expensive. Hint: If you do buy a new flywheel, make sure to carefully check the imbalance of the one that came off the engine.

Absolutely true. It depends on what the replacement is, how far the hot spots are into the surface, and how expensive the machine shop is. Always check a new flywheel for runout.