Cracked flexplate , how long ?

[scrappyk5]

I finally found out this morning that the noise I heard on the truck is a cracked flexplate. It has one crack in it.
now my question is, how long is it possible it might last ?
I know its kind of a stupid, just curious who out there has had one cracked but still drove for awhile that way before they replaced it ?

so whatcha think ?

 

[BoondocK5]

Maybe a year, maybe a minute, either way very annoying!

Might as well get ready to replace it now.

 

[Mudstud]

I ran one for aquite awhile. The noise will eventually all but go away as the crack wears itself out. I'm guessing it cracked between 2 of the bolts holding it on? Just keep an eye on it and check it after each ride. Oh- and keep the inspection cover off just to limit damage if it does go.

 

[scrappyk5]

the crack looks like its between two holes going around the middle, like about 2 " long. I have plans to change it, but i am in the middle of another project. So I would like to drive it to work a couple days.

 

[4X4HIGH]

It won't give you any problems right away other than making noise. Do yourself a favor though and buy the thicker flexplate when you do buy a new one. I bought the TCI SFI approved one for my engine. It was about 76.00 from summit racing. GM's are known for cracking flexplates.

 

[Burn-N-Daylight]

when i bought my blazer the guy thought it was a rod or something but it was the flex plate. i was able to drive it for about a week here and there until it finally got busted and left me on the side of the road. no big deal since i knew it was coming. IMO i would spend the few bucks and just replace it before your neighbor with a ford has to come and tow you home.LOL

 

[lectric80]

My Astro with a 4.3 lasted about a week with a cracked flexplate. By the time I got it replaced, the pump in the 700 had gone out from the vibration. When I replaced it, there were so many cracks that just a light tap from a hammer removed the center of the flexplate. Just remember that the more you start it, the more you are applying a side load of sorts to it, this will speed up it's demise.

 

[Mudstud]

Yea well I guess someone should ask what engine this is for- and what tranny. The sb 400 FPs are known to be weak. In that case yes def get the SFI certified one from Summit. Thats what I replaced mine with after the original cracked. I run a TH350 and my tranny never had issues after letting it run cracked for quite awhile.

 

[scrappyk5]

the drivetrain is a 350/th350/203.
I plan on getting the heavier flexplate, so I will be good to go.