leaving a loose speedo driven gear in the tail shaft housing
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
leaving a loose speedo driven gear in the tail shaft housing
Why I'm asking should be obvious. Why I don't just pull the tail shaft housing is explained in this this post - https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...m-a-th350.html
Suffice it to say Chevy didn't do us any favors when they changed the the cross member design in 1980.
I am looking for actual experience with leaving a loose driven gear in there. Has anyone done it or known directly someone who did and, if so, what was the result? Thanks,
Suffice it to say Chevy didn't do us any favors when they changed the the cross member design in 1980.
I am looking for actual experience with leaving a loose driven gear in there. Has anyone done it or known directly someone who did and, if so, what was the result? Thanks,
#2
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Aug 2017
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You did that too? I left mine in for a few days until I fished it out with a dowel, piece of wire, chewing gum, you know, the MacGyver tools. They say it won't hurt anything but I still wanted to fix it correctly.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; 04-06-2018 at 08:43 PM.
#3
Drifting
Thread Starter
I'd prefer it out also, but I've fished for a couple hours without luck. I considered the something sticky route but figured with my luck I'd end up with a piece of gum in there too. I have lined up a scope to look inside. I think if I can at least see it I might have a good chance to fish it. But once the rear end comes back and the composite spring is delivered It's going back together regardless of where the gear is .
Last edited by vince vette 2; 04-05-2018 at 12:24 PM.
#4
Le Mans Master
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As I recall, I had the rear tires up on ramps. The speedo gear kept sliding into the deepest part of the tailshaft housing, making it impossible to recover. Then I put the front end on ramps. Seemed to help confine the little turd to the rear where I got a hold of it with those $3 claw tools. Had a hell of a time and eased the gear, ever so carefully, out of the hole, whew! (Took multiple attempts)
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; 04-05-2018 at 02:27 PM.
#5
Drifting
Thread Starter
As I recall, I had the rear tires up on ramps. The speedo gear kept sliding into the deepest part of the tailshaft housing, making it impossible to recover. Then I put the front end on ramps. Seemed to help confine the little turd to the rear where I got a hold of it with those $3 claw tools. Had a hell of a time and eased the gear, ever so carefully, out of the hole, whew! (Took multiple attempts)
#7
Drifting
Thread Starter
I'm leaning that way unless someone knows of an instance where one caused a problem. I'll be borrowing a fiber optic scope late on Sunday. So sometime next week I'll see if I can figure out exactly where it is and find out if that helps me get it. But if not, then I'll let the chips fall where they may since I plan to swap our the tranny next winter.
#9
Advanced
Do you not want to just drop the pan to get it out? I know you will need to replace the fluid, but at least you'll know the gear wont be in there to screw anything up.
#10
Le Mans Master
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It doesn't come out that way. Two different chambers / casings.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; 04-06-2018 at 08:31 PM.
#12
Melting Slicks
I'm glad I'm not the only guy who's done that. It was over twenty years ago, and as I recall it took me a full day to fish it out, but I did get it. I still break out in a cold sweat thinking about it. If I knew it wouldn't do any harm, I probably would have given up.
#13
Drifting
Thread Starter
That's my primary concern. Right now I think it is likely sitting up on the shaft next to the drive gear given the angle it was at when I last saw shaft sticking out. I could rotate the shaft but if it is there it may be best to leave it as it is close. If it drops it will likely go all the way forward as the housing slopes that way and the rear of the car is jacked up for the suspension rebuild.
#14
Drifting
Thread Starter
That's my primary concern. Right now I think it is likely sitting up on the shaft next to the drive gear given the angle it was at when I last saw shaft sticking out. I could rotate the shaft but if it is there it may be best to leave it as it is close. If it drops it will likely go all the way forward as the housing slopes that way and the rear of the car is jacked up for the suspension rebuild.
#15
Melting Slicks
Why I'm asking should be obvious. Why I don't just pull the tail shaft housing is explained in this this post - https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...m-a-th350.html
Suffice it to say Chevy didn't do us any favors when they changed the the cross member design in 1980.
I am looking for actual experience with leaving a loose driven gear in there. Has anyone done it or known directly someone who did and, if so, what was the result? Thanks,
Suffice it to say Chevy didn't do us any favors when they changed the the cross member design in 1980.
I am looking for actual experience with leaving a loose driven gear in there. Has anyone done it or known directly someone who did and, if so, what was the result? Thanks,
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vince vette 2 (04-09-2018)
#16
Drifting
Thread Starter
Good to hear. I now have fiber optic scope to hunt for it. The little SOB either comes out in a couple days or stays in until winter when I plan to put a 200-4R in. I already have a replacement gear on the way just in case. I was at $97.30 on a Summit Racing order and needed $1.70 for free shipping. The gear was $6.97. I don't know what shipping was going to be. But given that Summit wanted $12 shipping just for the gear when I first was looking, I'm sure it saved me more than that for all the suspension bushings I ordered. Maybe dropping the first one in was karma.
#18
Drifting
Thread Starter
I did see the little bugger last night through an endoscope hooked to a cell phone. He looked happy in there. I have some idea where it is now though that helped none at all getting it out last night.
My rebuilt rear end arrived yesterday. I pretty much have everything to start reassembly. So while I'm under there I'll just keep the fishing tools close and try my luck now and then. If I get it, great, but once all the parts are in, if it's in there I hope he likes it when the fluid rolls back in.
#19
Race Director
Plastic sinks in water, so it won't float in tranny fluid. The only other plastic in there is the 2 speedo gears. And I doubt the loose gear is gonna foul them. And if it does, you still get home, just have to guess your speed by the tach.
#20
Le Mans Master
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There is not enough fluid in the tailshaft housing worth mentioning. Hence, when you pulled the speedo bullet out, you got maybe three drops?