r/r flexplate

I was just given a 19' trihull with a 280 outdrive and an AQ255B engine. I have no idea how long it has been sitting. But my first find is that the ring gear is broken off of the flex plate. Is it best for me to pull the outdrive out or to pull the engine for this fix? Also, I know that important parts, like the starter and alternator, need to be marine only. But for other parts, will regular chevy 350 parts work? And if I go to an autoparts store what year and make of car should I tell them? Thanks for helping me with my first post on iboats.com!

Re: r/r flexplate

Ayuh,... Ya gotta pull the motor....
It's got a Flywheel, Not a flexplate...
You'll need a new Ring Gear,... Either the 12", or the 14"...
If the Starter bolts are straight across, it's the 12"...
If they're staggered, it's the 14"....

Re: r/r flexplate

To pull the motor, you'll need to remove the upper gear box from the outdrive. Here is a link explaining how to pull it.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=309095

Once the upper is off, You remove the 6 bolts holding the clamp ring behind the upper gear box. Then you can go about disconnecting the engine and lift the engine out with the flywheel cover attached to the motor. Once out, you remove the flywheel cover to expose the flywheel.

Clamping ring is #39, flywheel cover is #72 in this link.

http://www.volvopentastore.com/Connecting-Components-Aq-Drive-280/dm/*******.431403964--**********.872896975--store_id.366--view_id.327430

Yes many parts are simply SBC parts, including the ring gear. All electrical including starter, alternator, distributor are marine specific.

I'm pretty sure your aq255 has the two piece rear seal. You can confirm this by checking the block casting numbers.

Let us know if you need further help.