Sandwiched between the manual transmission and engine there is usually a sheet metal "spacer". The X-type parts catalog calls it an "engine cover".
Does anyone know why it's there?
It is called various names: "spacer", "dust cover', "engine cover", "baffle", "shield", "torque plate" and "reinforcement", depending on who's talking.
One explanation I've read says that pinned, bolted and clamped in place, it strengthens the aluminum bell housing to minimize distortion due to torque. (Torque plate). I've been variously told that they are often tossed prior to reassembly. Elsewhere, "they" say that changed starter location due to omission of the sheet can cause binding. So, what is the real deal?
Do I start assembly or keep looking for the plate?