I just got the torque converter and flywheel off but I made an enormous mistake. Not being able to tell what was part of the rear main seal and what wasn't, I broke off a piece of the aluminum cover plate that bolts to the block that the rear crank goes through and the starter bolts on to. Does anyone know how much these run or what exactly this giant plate on the back of the engine is called? Where to get one from? Parts number? I'm going to need a new one....

 

If I understand correctly and this bolts to the block it should be easy to get and not cost too much from a junk yard, since rarely is one needed. If it is the bell housing mine was aftermarket and cost about $ 200 4 years ago.

 

that is your engine backing plate. It can probably be found used. It is sometimes replaced when people upgrade to a 6 speed tranny. Good luck. How did you break that one.

 

ok thanks for the replies, I wasn't sure what was the rear main seal and what wasn't so I was prying on the inside diameter of this plate and snpped a piece off of it so now the seal definitely won't seal.

 

The part that holds the rear main and the part that holds the starter are 2 separate pieces.

Aaron

 

Sounds like you broke the main seal housing. You'd have to be closely related to King Kong to bust the bellhousing adapter.

 

they are available... are you sure you damaged a critical portion of the adapter?

 

The thing I broke is the aluminum plate that bolts on to the back of the block. According to Cummins it is called the flywheel housing but AKA the transmission adapter. I've been reading the forums on this tonight from some other sites and I guess this isn't such an uncommon thing. Plus, the good news is that I foudn one on ebay for 50 bucks!

 

this thing?
http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/l...s/DSCF5020.jpg

 

Yes, that would be it. There is a little lip inside where the crankshaft fits through and i broke a chunk off.

 

Here's a pic:

 

It looks to me like you broke the main seal housing.

 

this is what you broke. Its easy to replace just pull your flywheel housing off, then there are 6 bolts that hold it to the block and 4 that hold it to the pan. when you put the new one on put a dab of sylicone in the corner between the block and oil pan.

 

I think you're right, after removal of the flywheel housing, I see that they are not the same part. Does this also have to come from the junk yard, or can i get this at a parts store or dealer even? I love this site, everyone is very helpfull! Especially when my mechanics skills are not where they should be...

 

They're probably still available. If you look at 1stgen's first pic you'll see a part number toward the lower right of the part. Pull yours and clean it up, you might find the number in the same location. Remember, be gentle.