today i dropped the flywheel cover on my dads 97 bonny se. i had him turn it over as i was under it too try and figure out what the clunking noise was. as it turned over i noticed the flywheel is bent and looks too be bent so bad it'* about a 1/4 inch off center. now a 1200 miles ago my dad had a local shop rebuilt the engine and i'm wondering if they didn't torque it down too specs if that could be why the flywheel is bent or just wobbling on the crank due to loose bolts and what is it hitting to cause such a racket when it turns over. needless to say it has been sitting for about 18 months since it tore up. can anyone help me out here if they know or have any idea on why this accured.

Converter bolts that are too long may dimple the torque converter clutch apply surface and cause a shudder condition.


A loose or cracked flywheel will produce an irregular thud or click. To test for a loose or cracked flywheel, operate the vehicle at approximately20 mph and shut off the engine. If a thud is heard, the flywheel may be loose or damaged. This type of thud is loudest on deceleration. Loose torque converter-to-flywheel or flywheel-to-crankshaft bolts will resemble a bearing knock. This condition produces several raps during quick acceleration on a free-running engine. Depending on the idle smoothness, when the transaxle is in gear, the noise may or may not appear. Check the torque converter-to-flywheel and the flywheel-to-crankshaft bolts before attempting to investigate any bearing-related knock.

thanks. the flywheel is cracked towards the center. had someone tell me the crank was broke but it'* 12,000 miles old. i can't seem to find any flywheels online for this engine but i did find a used one for 35.00. do you recommend using an old flywheel?

I put a used flywheel on a Ford Ranger and ran it for 2 years til I sold it. Them things are so heavy that I would go ahead an go used. Just check it over to make sure it'* straight and solid