1998 Ford Escort I wish I knew

1998 FORD ESCORT
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YOUNGNAT
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So we were doing some work on the car, changed the oil, air filter, and seafoamed it. Took it for a small drive, got back, and saw what appears to be a gap between the transmission and the engine. I was wondering how this may have come about and if it's fixable without getting a whole new transmission.
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May 14, 2014 at 7:35 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
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TY ANDERSON
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The engine and transmission are bolted together. There are also metal alignment pin on the engine or transmission aligning the two parts together. You what to make sure all the bolts are tight and the alignment pins are in place (not sticking out from holes the rest in). Tighten all bolts. There is a plate that covers the transmission side (bell housing its called) and covers the flex plate, clutch or torque convert that maybe what your seeing. I cant tell from the picture you provided.
May 14, 2014 at 9:18 PM
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YOUNGNAT
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What else do you need to know/see to tell me what I can do? I'll do my best to get it to you.
May 15, 2014 at 6:26 AM
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TY ANDERSON
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Thanks for the reply.
I was able to enlarge the pictures you provided. It appears that the engine and transmission are not coming apart. It is just the thin metal plate between the engine and transmission is bent over away from the transmission side. Just to make sure check all bolts on the transmission and engine are snug.
May 15, 2014 at 9:39 PM
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YOUNGNAT
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Thank you so much! That is a huge relief aha. How do you think it happened and how can we fix it?
May 16, 2014 at 5:28 AM
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TY ANDERSON
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I looks like someone bent it. It hard to say why anyone would bend it. Maybe it was bent looking for a oil leak, but not sure why.
As for a fix you would need to remove the plate and bend it back. It doesn't look like you can bend it back while on the engine. Its not necessary to fix this.
May 17, 2014 at 2:57 PM
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YOUNGNAT
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So I can leave it as is and still drive it?
May 17, 2014 at 4:10 PM
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TY ANDERSON
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Based off of the pictures you provided I would say it would be safe to drive to leave that plate the way it is.
May 19, 2014 at 7:00 AM