Question : Flexplate/Crankshaft bolts-washers

[rd400@sbcglobal.net]

OK, So i put a 3.1 crank in, new pistons a mild cam and repaired misc. sins of the previous owner. Now i'm bolting the flexplate to the assembled long block, getting ready to slip it into the Blazer and the neighbor comes by and says "I think theres supposed to be internal lock washers on those bolts"...really? It's been 3/4 months since i started this project and the memorie's a little fuzzy but i did put the flexplate bolts and "donut" washer into a baggie when removed.....no star washers in there, no evidence of scarring on the "donut" from internal lock star washers. Checked the spare parts box {Blazer parts car} that "donut" doesn't have any scarring. Called Chevy and asked if they stocked lock washers for a 88 S10 Blazer..no such animal shown. I have the factory reair & service manuals...no washers mentioned there..As i remember the V8s and the Corvairs and Vegas used the internal lock washers on the crankshaft to flywheel bolts but i never worked on automatics...SO, the question is: does the 700R use lock washers on the flexplate to crankshaft bolts?

Thanks for the imput in advance, Randy

[CNCguy]

Not familiar with your specific application but have never seen lock washers on a 60V6 flexplate. However, I always use purple or blue thread locker when installing flexplate, flywheel and pressure plate bolts.

[SappySE107]

No washers. The ARP replacements state not to use lock/star washers.

[geoffinbc]

Agreed they should be thin head, fine thread, high grade bolts. Use blue loctite on the threads. Who the hell uses a fucking lock washer these days? Those things are the biggest damn joke around! High grade flange head bolts are the only real bolt in my books. For body panels all bolts should have captured washers. What really gets me is many so called "Auto Parts Stores" stock grade 5 hardware store bolts! When have you EVER seen one on a car made this side of the 60's?