Got a question about the thin steel plate that separates the engine and gearbox.

Was it used on all A series engine/gearbox combinations?

Are there some combinations where it shouldn't be used?

Are there different versions of this plate?

If not used, is there an inspection cover that goes in place to cover up the flywheel/clutch along the bottom?

Thanks for any help.

I know that there are differnet types. The A12 and the A15 are different.

Good question. I bought a second hand A15 once that had one that was just a blanking plate. (Thin sheet metal, but still a factory part)
But I think that their purpose is to spigot the starter motor, so that its pinion meshes properly. The last time I didn't use one, the starter pinion sounded worse than the gearset on the angle grinder I bought at woolworths for $17. But, with a sandwich plate in place, with the same starter motor and gearbox/flywheel, it sounds as sweet as a datsun should.

Sorry, I'm not really anwsering your question, just sharing a bit of general information.

Well it's all helping because my starter sounds like crap and that's why I'm asking... I don't want to destroy this new flywheel like the old one. I'm running an A14, 60a 5 speed and plate/starter from my original (1992) ute. Should be good, right?