I have a 71 240z with a 280zx engine non turbo 3 speed automatic.

So my old flywheel went out and I decided to replace it myself. I ordered a new one off ebay, which is the same as my old bald one. So I dropped the transmission, unbolted the old flywheel put the new one on and theres a gap between the engine block and the flyhweel, which i assume its how its supposed to be. I bolt the flywheel to the torque converter once the tranny is in place. But when I bolt the bell housing bolts in and the transmission crossbracket, the flywheel somehow moves and the gap dissappears completely, so that the flyhweel rubs on the engine block. I have done this procedure many times and get the same result. Does anyone know what im doing wrong?

I've heard that there is a spacer on the back of the crankshaft for automatic cars. Maybe you misplaced yours.

By the way, for any searching, I think that most people call it a flex-plate, not a flywheel.

Found a post with pictures of the spacers - Automatic Flexplate spacers - Nissan : Datsun ZCar forum :Nissan Z Forum: 240Z to 370Z

Edited August 8, 201410 yr by Zed Head

Thank you for the post. Im going to drop the transmission again and make sure the rear spacer is on there. I cant say for sure, but I could swear I saw it on there before. Thank you again.

When you remove the transmission make sure the torque converter was fully engaged in the pump. Its very easy to do.

The converter has two tongues that drive the oil pump. If you push hard on the converter when fitting it, it will turn the gear and not engage properly. The tongues ride on top of the gear. If that is what happened, it will push the flex-plate back onto the engine block.

Chas

That's a good point. I was thinking that the plate was loose and able to move back and forth with the torque converter. But if it's tight and pressed on the block by the converter, that's another scenario. You might have damaged the flex plate. Even though it's called a flex plate, it's not that flexible.