Flexplate Problem

[Rick B.]

I could sure use some direction on this!
After I bolted the flexplate to my 72 big block crankshaft and dropped the engine in I became concerned that perhaps I had reversed the flexplate and installed it incorrectly.
I have friends telling me that the weight on the flexplate (spotwelded and inset from the outer ring) should be on the engine side. It currently is not.
Prior to bolting the plate onto the crank I noted faint indentations on one side of the plate caused by the star washers and used this as my guide for determining which side is which.
Now I have groups of respected people (on both sides of the fence) providing opposite advice.
Is there any absolute way one determines which side faces in what direction?
Currently the indentations for all mounting surfaces on the flex plate are facing the torque converter and all raised profiles on the plate are facing the engine.

Thanks in advance for any info.!
Rick

[John H.]

Re: Flexplate Problem

Rick -

Correct flexplate orientation is shown on page 6-39 in the 1971 Chassis Service Manual - should be in a similar location in the '72 CSM. The peaks (raised flat surfaces) of the stamped depressions for the converter bolts should face the converter, and the welds joining the ring gear to the flexplate should be on the engine side.

[Rick B.]

Re: Flexplate Problem

Thanks John.
It's not what I was hoping to hear but it makes sense.
I just can't figure out why the impressions from the star washers are on the wrong side !

Rick