Prior to pulling the engine (and trans) from an '82 240D I noticed a very rough engagement of bendix and ring gear when starting the engine. I consider replacing the ring gear prior to mounting the engine in an other car.Is this ring gear shrunk on the flywheel and is this a job for a #2 or #3 level mechanic? Please somebody, give me a hint.Diesel Monkey.

Its not a do it yourself job.......unless you get a used flywheel....that is probibly cheaper than a new ring gear and labor charges at a machine shop.

A good used flywheel assy will last you a lot of years and be real cheap....its an alternative you should consider.

But you are correct...the ring gear is heated up....the flywheel/flexplate is cooled....and when the two are put together and reach a common temp they are locked together with interfearance fit.

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Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
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Section 609 MVAC Certified
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