Login to enhance your online experience. Login or Create an Account
Logo
Shopping Cart

Shopping Cart 0 Items (Empty)

Isuzu Diesel Engine Workshop Manual 4BB1 4BD1 6BB1 6BD1 6BG1 4BDIT 6BD1T 6BG1T

Goal: show you, step-by-step and component-by-component, how to inspect/replace the flexplate on Isuzu diesel engines (4BB1 / 4BD1 / 6BB1 / 6BD1 / 6BG1 / 4BDIT / 6BD1T / 6BG1T). I’ll explain why this is done, how the parts work together, what tools you need, and what can go wrong. I’ll assume an automatic-transmission vehicle (flexplate = automatic version of flywheel). No guessing about transmission types — if you have a manual (flywheel) the procedure and components differ.

Quick theory (why a flexplate matters)
- Function: the flexplate is a thin, slightly flexible steel disc that bolts to the engine crank flange and provides the ring gear teeth for the starter. It also attaches the torque converter of the automatic transmission to the crank so rotational power goes from engine to transmission.
- Analogy: think of the flexplate as the coupler in a drivetrain — like the coupling plate that connects a motor to a pump. It must transmit torque, keep things balanced, and accept shock loads.
- Why it fails: common failure modes are hairline cracks at bolt holes or around the center, warped plate (runout), broken/cracked welds or damaged ring gear teeth from starter slip, and stretched/stripped bolt holes. Diesel engines produce high torque pulses; over time the flexplate can fatigue and crack — like repeatedly bending a paperclip until it snaps.
- Symptoms that drive this repair:
- Loud clunking/banging when shifting into drive or reverse, or at idle.
- Vibration from the bellhousing area that increases with rpm.
- Starter grinding or not engaging because ring gear teeth are damaged.
- Oil/ATF leaks around the bellhousing after transmission separation (caused by improper seating).
- Transmission/torque converter bolt loosening, severe damage, or complete separation (rare but catastrophic).

Major components you’ll see and what they do
- Crankshaft flange: the face on the engine where the flexplate bolts on.
- Flexplate (ring gear welded or integral): thin steel disc with ring gear around outer edge and bolt pattern in center.
- Torque converter: the fluid coupling that bolts to the flexplate and fits over the transmission input pump.
- Torque converter bolts: fasten converter to flexplate.
- Bellhousing (transmission bell): houses torque converter and mates to engine.
- Starter and starter engagement gear: engages ring gear to crank to start engine.
- Dowels (locating pins) between engine and transmission: ensure correct alignment.
- Bellhousing bolts: hold engine and transmission together.
- Transmission jack / engine support: holds transmission weight during removal/installation.

Tools and supplies (minimum)
- Full metric hand tool set: sockets, ratchets, extensions.
- Breaker bar, torque wrench (capable to at least 150 ft·lb / 200 N·m).
- Impact wrench (optional for removal only).
- Transmission jack or floor jack + transmission support.
- Engine support bar or hoist (if needed to support engine).
- Pry bars, alignment punch for dowels.
- Dial indicator with magnetic base (for checking runout).
- Threadlocker (Loctite blue 242 or per OEM spec) — only if the manual specifies.
- New flexplate (OEM recommended), new torque-converter bolts if dictated, new bellhousing bolts if damaged, and new starter ring gear if separate.
- Safety gear: jack stands, wheel chocks, gloves, eye protection.

Safety first
- Disconnect battery negative.
- Chock wheels, lift vehicle and secure on jack stands; use adequate rated support.
- Support the transmission on a transmission jack; never let the transmission hang by its mounts or lines.
- Keep hands clear when lowering transmission; the torque converter and converter bolts are heavy and can fall.

Step-by-step procedure (general — adapt to your model year and vehicle)
Note: ALWAYS verify bolt sizes and torque specs against the factory service manual for your exact vehicle. I list safe procedures; torque values vary by engine/transmission.

1) Preparation
- Disconnect battery negative.
- Remove any splash shields, driveshaft (if rear-wheel drive), exhaust or components blocking access.
- Raise vehicle and support securely.

2) Remove starter
- Unbolt and remove the starter to give access to torque converter and flexplate area.

3) Support transmission and separate mounts
- Place the transmission on a transmission jack and support it.
- Remove transmission crossmember/mounts and any wiring, speed sensors, or linkage on the bellhousing/pump.
- Support engine if necessary (some jobs require an engine support to prevent tipping when transmission is lowered).

4) Unbolt bellhousing but don’t drop transmission yet
- Loosen and remove bellhousing bolts in an ordered sequence. Do not remove all at once — support the transmission on the jack and slowly slide the transmission rearward a few inches so you can access the torque converter-to-flexplate bolts. In many cases you must back the transmission off the engine enough to see/access the converter bolt holes through the bellhousing.

5) Unbolt torque converter-to-flexplate bolts
- Rotate the crank/torque converter to align bolt holes and remove torque converter bolts. There are usually 6 bolts in a circular pattern. Keep track of bolt order/positions and which face they came from.
- Important: Do not pry on the converter nose to separate the two; just slide the transmission back far enough to disengage. If the converter isn’t fully engaged with the transmission pump when you mate them on reassembly it will damage the pump seal — more on that below.

6) Separate the transmission fully and lower
- After converter bolts removed, slide the transmission clear of the engine. The converter should remain bolted to the transmission pump (or sometimes to the flexplate depending on earlier steps); treat both as a unit and lower with the jack.

7) Remove the flexplate
- With access to the flexplate, remove the flexplate-to-crank bolts. There may be 6–8 bolts in a circular pattern.
- You may need to hold the crank from turning. Methods:
- Use a flywheel lock tool or fit a long pry/bolt in starter opening to prevent rotation.
- Use an assistant to apply the parking brake and place the transmission in gear (if engine can be turned manually).
- Remove flexplate and inspect components: center pilot area for damage, ring gear teeth, bolt holes, and face for cracks.

8) Inspection (do not skip)
- Visual: check for cracks emanating from bolt holes and welds; check for missing/damaged ring gear teeth.
- Runout check: mount dial indicator on a fixed point and measure radial runout on the flexplate face. Excessive runout (>0.005" / 0.13 mm as a general guideline — verify OEM) means replace.
- Ring gear: teeth must be intact and not worn; starter engagement surface must be smooth.
- Bolt threads: inspect crank flange and bolt threads for damage. Replace bolts if stretched/rounded. If crank flange threads are damaged they may need heli-coil or professional repair.
- Torque converter pilot: check for wear where the converter seats into the crank or pump.

9) Choosing replacement
- Always use OEM or high-quality equivalent flexplate matched to the engine and transmission — balance is critical. Do not mix flexplates or converters from different engine/transmission combinations.

10) Installation — the order and care matter
- Clean mating surfaces on crank flange and flexplate; remove oil, dirt, and old threadlocker.
- Fit flexplate onto dowels/pilot. Ensure it seats flush and the bolt holes align.
- Install flexplate bolts by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
- Tighten bolts in a criss-cross (star) pattern gradually to final torque. (Do NOT fully torque one bolt and leave others loose.)
- Torque values: check the factory manual. Typical ranges (do not rely as definitive):
- Flexplate-to-crank bolts: often 60–110 ft·lb (80–150 N·m) depending on bolt size and engine.
- Torque-converter bolts: often 30–60 ft·lb (40–80 N·m).
- If you don’t have the manual, stop and confirm exact spec — wrong torque can fail catastrophically.
- Use threadlocker only if the OEM manual specifies it. Some manufacturers require it; some do not.
- After torquing flexplate bolts, rotate crank by hand to confirm no interference and smooth rotation.

11) Reinstall torque converter and transmission
- Before mating transmission to engine, ensure torque converter is fully seated into the transmission pump. The converter must engage the pump and seat forward enough so the converter flange protrudes into the bellhousing enough to meet flexplate without forcing.
- Carefully raise the transmission and align dowel pins. Slide the transmission IN until it contacts the engine; you should feel slight engagement. If it won’t slide home with a moderate push, DON’T force it — check converter seating.
- Once transmission is flush, install bellhousing bolts and tighten in sequence to specified torque.
- Reinstall torque converter bolts (if they attach through the bellhousing access or through converter flange) in star pattern to specified torque.
- Reinstall starter, transmission mount/crossmember, driveshaft, and any removed components.
- Reconnect battery, refill ATF if you drained it, and check for leaks.

12) Final checks and test
- Hand-crank or gently start engine and listen for abnormal noises.
- Check for vibration at idle and at driving speeds.
- Check starter engagement — no grinding.
- Road test under light load and listen/feel for any clunks, vibrations, or leaks.
- Re-torque bolts if the manual requires checking torque after first run (some OEMs specify re-checking torque after a few heat cycles).

Common things that go wrong and how to avoid them
- Not seating the torque converter fully before mating transmission: this damages the transmission pump seal. Avoid by visually confirming converter is seated into pump until the mating face lines up; measure/feel the converter tabs engaged.
- Cross-threading crank bolts: start bolts by hand, then use proper torque sequence.
- Using incorrect flexplate or converter (different balance): causes vibration and accelerated wear. Use matching OEM parts.
- Reusing stretched/old bolts: bolts can fatigue; replacing bolts is often recommended.
- Incorrect torque or no threadlocker when required: bolts may loosen and fail.
- Damage to starter teeth or ring gear: if the flexplate is slightly warped or ring gear worn, starter engagement will be noisy and can further damage teeth; replace flexplate if ring gear shows damage.
- Not supporting transmission/engine properly: transmission can fall and cause injury or damage.
- Contamination: oil/ATF on starter motor or flexplate mating surfaces can cause slippage and starter issues — clean surfaces.
- Improper balancing: if flexplate or converter has been modified or welded, balance can be off -> vibration; avoid any repair that changes balance unless professionally balanced.

Inspection limits and replacement decision
- Cracks around bolt holes or at welds = replace. Hairline cracks tend to grow.
- Missing/damaged ring gear teeth = replace.
- Excessive runout or warpage = replace.
- If you see movement of flexplate relative to crank flange or elongated bolt holes = replace and inspect crank flange and threads.

Final notes / best practices
- Use OEM parts. Flexplate balance and ring-gear alignment are critical; an aftermarket wrong-balance plate will cause vibration or damage.
- Replace bolts if in doubt. Many manufacturers recommend replacing torque converter and flexplate bolts each time.
- Keep track of bolt patterns and mark orientation of torque converter and flexplate if you plan to reuse them to preserve balance.
- If you are not 100% sure about torque specs for your exact vehicle, stop and consult the Isuzu service manual for your engine/transmission/vehicle model and year. Incorrect torque risks catastrophic failure.

If you follow the inspection steps, support the transmission correctly, ensure the torque converter is seated before mating, and use correct bolts and torque pattern, the job is straightforward for a beginner mechanic with basic tools and a transmission jack.
rteeqp73

You Might Also Like...

Kryptronic Internet Software Solutions