[DeTomaso] I *hate* it when that happens....

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 3/23/12 9 18 27, kenn_green at yahoo.com writes:


> Regarding balancing, my concern is that when you drill out existing 
> threaded holes it's easy to be a little off. 
> 
>>>If *I* was to do it, with a hand drill, then maybe.   I'm going to have 
a machine shop do it with a drill press.

> > If the pressure plate is shifted even a little, it could throw off the 
> balance of the engine. 
> 
>>>Very true!

> > I don't think the wear of the friction surface of the pressure plate is 
> nearly as much of a factor as the whole pressure palte being shifted.  But 
> it would be best to run it past the engine builder (Dan Jones?) and see 
> what he says. 
>  
> I was told that some engines are balanced as a whole, and the specific 
> balance of the flywheel and pressure plate may not be independent of the 
> crankshaft.  A friend who has built a lot of engines for vintage racing said 
> when he changes to a new flywheel pressure plate combination, he has it 
> matched to the previous flywheel and pressure plate to maintain the original 
> balance.
> 
>>>A great idea, when possible.   Although I sent my aluminum flywheel to 
have it balanced with the engine when it was built, it's my impression that 
this step wasn't done. :<(

So, I'm no more likely to hurt it than I am to help it by having the holes 
drilled to the next larger size....

Mike