The flex plate is a stamping, done in low grade steel. The starter ring is
pressed over the flange, and measured for run out, then welded in a few places.
It is in no sense a precision piece. It only maters that the run out of the ring
gear is within specs (whatever Mazda thinks is OK) and nothing more. The plate
is flexible to the extent that it will bend readily to accommodate a poor fit to
the torque converter, but is not designed to actually flex in
operation, as it will fatigue crack eventually.
Some run out would be expected, and is of no importance. Should the run out
increase between checks then inspection for cracks is in order.
A check for cracks now would provide a base line for future
inspections.
Lynn E. Hanover
In a message dated 7/27/2011 11:04:04 P.M. Paraguay Standard Time,
clouduster@austin.rr.com writes:
I have about 330 hours of run time on my RX-8
powered RV-7A using the RX-7 flex plate per Tracy. I measured the runout
of the flex plate and it measured +/- 0.006 in. or 0.012 in total wobble - can
anyone tell me if this is too much or what maximum is acceptable? Can
the flex plate be tweaked by prying on the ring gear to bend it closer to
straight?
Dennis Haverlah