Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines bad vibes

I have a 77 ford that runs good except that it has a very bad vibration,at idle and at higher speeds,as speed increases vibration seems to lessen.it vibrates with the clutch disengaged as well and is really noticeable as you are letting the clutch out from a dead stop and seems a little better as speed increases.Engine itself is running on all cylinders and sounds good,I am thinking warped flywheel? What is the best way to determine the cause,can I start engine with flywheel off or is that unsafe???jimm

I haven't seen anyone start an engine with the flywheel off, but that doesn't mean it can't be done. Remember the starter spins the flywheel to start the engine.

I would visually inspect the flywheel and the dampner (my guess). If you have a dial indicator you could found out if the flywheel is warped. Make sure all your bolts are there for the flywheel. Make sure your dampner is held on good. Check your timing and make sure your mark on the dampner lines up where it's supposed. I.E. make sure the outer ring hasn't slipped. Just a few guesses. Good luck. John

the timing marks seem to be where they should,i am changing the tranny any way and thought while i had it out i could pull the flywheel,support the back of th engine and turn it over to start it with my one inch drive impact wrench on the bolt on the damper,but i will visually inspect it first and try to borrow a dial guage......thanks..jimm

Before you actually unbolt the flywheel check the torque on the mounting bolts and make sure none were loose.That goes for the pressure plate too.

Has the flywheel been replaced? Ford uses the flywheel to balance the engine. Maybe the wrong flywheel??? Joe