Technical Securing 650cc Flywheel

[fiat500]

On my 500 I think there may have been tab-washers under each of the pairs of six setscrews that secure the flywheel. The 650 has one big washer with six holes which effectively just spreads the load but has no tabs.
For now I've used that and torqued them up using threadlock fluid.
I wonder what other people have done with this? Do I need the lockwashers?

One positive thing I noticed, which I hadn't been aware of before, is that the flywheel has provision to deflect any oil that gets past the engine seal. Just inboard of the clutch facing there is an inset groove. The groove has several large holes connected with drillings back to the engine side of the flywheel. Centrifugal force will catch the oil in the groove and then fling it back where it can then exit via the hole on that little plate between the engine and gearbox; I always knew there had to be a reason for that cover.

 

[Vitesse]

The only picture that I have that shows that area on my 650 lump, looks like it just has 6 bolts with some sky blue paint splattered all over them, which I assume is some sort of Eastern Bloc form of Loctite? No washers that I can see, for some reason I cant upload the picture!

 

[IanEmery]

One positive thing I noticed, which I hadn't been aware of before, is that the flywheel has provision to deflect any oil that gets past the engine seal. Just inboard of the clutch facing there is an inset groove. The groove has several large holes connected with drillings back to the engine side of the flywheel. Centrifugal force will catch the oil in the groove and then fling it back where it can then exit via the hole on that little plate between the engine and gearbox; I always knew there had to be a reason for that cover.

Typically clever engineering ??

 

[Franko500]

I believe my 650 engine just had the round washer with 6 holes, 6 bolts and no tab washers. I just torqued mine up as required, no Loctite. I never use the stuff!

 

[fiat500]

Typically clever engineering ??

That's what I think. But someone might say, "Why didn't they stop it leaking in the first place?"

 

[IanEmery]

That's what I think. But someone might say, "Why didn't they stop it leaking in the first place?"

But this way a failed seal, which can happen anytime, doesn't cost a clutch.

I've had plenty of gearboxes out, and removed many flywheels, but I've never noticed the type of machining you described?

 

[fiat500]

I believe my 650 engine just had the round washer with 6 holes, 6 bolts and no tab washers. I just torqued mine up as required, no Loctite. I never use the stuff!

That's peace of mind for me then...by the way, I love Loctite and the other threadlocking products which are available.
When I'm hurtling along at 57.63 mph, 120miles from home and two hours from the nearest AA person (other recovery services are available), it reassures me to know my engine is glued together.

I don't use it only for its locking purpose; its also helps reduce corrosion of threads and prevent leak-by of gases and liquids. I especially like it where studs and screws go into alloy.....Fiat 500 everywhere. I know people don't always like the idea in case they ever have to remove the fixings, but a quick flash with the blowtorch and it's loose again.

 

[fiat500]

The only picture that I have that shows that area on my 650 lump, looks like it just has 6 bolts with some sky blue paint splattered all over them, which I assume is some sort of Eastern Bloc form of Loctite? No washers that I can see, for some reason I cant upload the picture!

For what it's worth, mine's got red dots on the screw-heads, which probably signify that the tightness was checked. But there's a liberal splash of some dirty brown glug which seems to be a sealant over the blanking cap for the end of the camshaft. Whoever built the engine got it everywhere, even splashing it over the conrods. Definitely not made by robots.

 

[Vitesse]

For what it's worth, mine's got red dots on the screw-heads, which probably signify that the tightness was checked. But there's a liberal splash of some dirty brown glug which seems to be a sealant over the blanking cap for the end of the camshaft. Whoever built the engine got it everywhere, even splashing it over the conrods. Definitely not made by robots.

Is a Polish built or Italian?

 

[fiat500]

Is a Polish built or Italian?

1986 so Polish?
Not much polish used. (nor will be )

 

[fiat500]

This is the setup.
MAL_1767 by Peter Thompson, on Flickr
I found a spare gearbox input shaft so I can fit the speculative purchase of a genuine Fiat clutch assembly I bought a couple of years ago, (made by Valeo, so they must be the ones to get if you have choice). Having recently changed the clutch on my 1600cc diesel car I was amazed how small this thing is.
MAL_1766 by Peter Thompson, on Flickr
Anyway, my point is that this revealed the fact that there doesn't appear to be a pilot bush/bearing/guide in the end of the crankshaft or it's very, very worn.
Just checking, dumb question, there is meant to be one in a 650 engine isn't there?

 

[thepuddlejumper]

There is a pilot bush see below:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pilotlage...956859?hash=item35d8c37cfb:g:LIkAAOSwFNZWxCrM

I had to fit one into my flywheel adapter for the Subaru conversion. If you look at the end of the pinion shaft it is smaller than the splined section, this fits into the metal bearing which fits into the end of the cankshaft. You can get an equivalent oilite bearing from Bearing Boys, that's where I get mine.

Ralph

 

[fiat500]

Thanks for that. I have a few things to order so I will get onto Van der Alan..