turning flywheel

i replaced the starter on my 74 and noticed the teeth were ground down. The flywheel teeth were likewise ground down. I replaced the starter from autozone. However, the new starter teeth are not appearantly long enough to engage the ground down flywheel teeth. Unclebill had a similiar problem in Feb. Timgr mentioned turning the flywheel or having the ring gear teeth rotated since the flywheel only stopped in a couple of places. My question is: how would i turn the flywheel? If this cannot be done rather easily the only thing i can think of is removal of the engine and tranny. This would lead to a whole lotta "while im at it" projects. I just want to drive her for now. I already used all my jeep points by replacing the tub and doing the wiring, rebuilding the carb (which still needs to be adjusted) and leaving oil stains on the driveway. I have a 258, 3 spd (t15 i think) and a D20. Also I have access to a 73 DJ at the local pick a part that has engine and tranny in it. Unknown if it is the 232 or the 258. Thanks for the help, Dan

 

You'll have to remove the trans, bellhousing, pressure plate, and clutch. Then take the flywheel off. Mark it so you know where to clock the ring gear. The ring gear will come off by circling the gear w/ a hammer and punch. Clean it up and stick the ring gear in the oven and bake at about 350*-400*. Leave it in about 15 minutes. Set it on the flywheel in its new clocked position and tap it on(it may go on w/o tapping) and let it cool. Re-install.:v6:

 

well, it looks like my easy fix is out the window. I guess i shouldn't be surprised though. Thanks for the info, guess i'd better read up on pulling the engine and tranny.

 

Pull everything if you want to, but it is unnecessary. Just pull the TC and trans and remove the BH and clutch assembly and you have access to the flywheel.

The deal w/ the flywheel is it will typically have 3(6 cyl) or 4(8 cyl) spots where the teeth are worn. They will be spaced equidistant around the gear. A 6 will be spaced 120* from each other, an 8 will be 90*. There's a lot of good teeth left in between, you just need to clock it correctly. And like Patrick said turning it over will also give you good teeth (the teeth usually only wear on the half closest to the starter).:v6:

 

thanks for the info. I guess its the hard way, but i figure i'll take off the tub to make acess easier. I could always remove the trans cover, but i figure with my limited skilll and that i will be doing this myself i need all the room i can get. I guess i've been secretly looking for an excuse to tear her down again and this is it. Eversince i've been reading thompology's post, ive wanted to give it a go. guess i should clear out the dog house pdq.