Flange between gearbox and engine

Does anyone know if the flange needs to be fitted? As the casing is cracked white one bolt fits in and the other bolt is not tightening up, so the metal flange is loose.

That is to keep road trash out of the clutch.
Loose isn't a bad thing, as if you have a oil leak on the rear main, then it will run out more easily, and yes you could take it off.

Is there enough left to drill a small hole and fit a small nut and bolt to hold it and stop it rattling and falling off?

Briano1234 said

That is to keep road trash out of the clutch.
Loose isn't a bad thing, as if you have a oil leak on the rear main, then it will run out more easily, and yes you could take it off.

👍

Early-1800 said

Is there enough left to drill a small hole and fit a small nut and bolt to hold it and stop it rattling and falling off?

That was what I was thinking off doing if it needed to go back on. I'd have to drill both though as there seems to be no thread on the other one

If there isn't thread and you can get to both sides drilling it out shouldn't be a problem.

You could also try a self drilling sheet metal screw.

I once had to drill through a Water pump housing on my 81 diesel, where the t-stat cover stripped. I nutted it on top and I think about 200Kmiles later when I sold it was still that way.

The 3 x bolts that hold on the lower plate are an odd M7 size, while elsewhere nearby (the smaller plate on the side for example) uses M6… check you're not inadvertently putting a smaller bolt into the M7 threaded hole.

Personally I'd not do away with the plate, without it there's a large enough gap left to allow dust / dirt / water in… it's there for a reason.