Cracked Flex-plate

This is a cracked engine flex-plate. Similar to a flywheel a flex plate provides a connection between the engine and an automatic transmission. There are several potential causes for this type of failure like improper assembly, engine/transmission mis-alignment, excessive crankshaft end play and a worn out front pump bushing in the automatic transmission. It is also thought that engine or torque converter imbalance can cause flex plate failures.