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I'm on my 2nd try to get the pilot bushing into the crank. The first time it went in very hard using a socket/hammer. After getting it in, the transmission input shaft would not fit; I found this out after installing the new clutch and pressure plate, and the old bellhousing. Either I didn't get it in straight or the I.D. shrunk due to the strain of the tight fit on the crank.
Are there any instalation tricks here? Has anybody else experianced this?
Thanks in advance.
The pilot bushing fitted on the end of the transmission, right? Did you check it before installing into the crank. Are you using a clutch line up tool?
I soaked my pilot bushing in oil overnight first and I think it helped a bit. I used a socket and hammer and it still took a while to get it in but what fun is getting it in quickly?
First check the bushing for metal content with a magnet. I found the new lakewood bushing I bought from Summit last year was magnetic, Picked one up from NAPA for half the cost that wasn't. The metallic ones can heat up and cause you problems. I used an input shaft to install it too,it supports the hole from being crushed.
Gary
I'm on my 2nd try to get the pilot bushing into the crank. The first time it went in very hard using a socket/hammer. After getting it in, the transmission input shaft would not fit; I found this out after installing the new clutch and pressure plate, and the old bellhousing. Either I didn't get it in straight or the I.D. shrunk due to the strain of the tight fit on the crank.
Are there any instalation tricks here? Has anybody else experianced this?
Thanks in advance.
Are you sure it is the pilot bushing and not the clutch plate being slightly off? Press on the clutch pedal while trying to insert the tranny that last half inch. Joe
Thanks guys,
I think my problem is the clutch to pilot bushing allignment. I got another pilot bushing and took .002" off the OD and about the same on the ID; it still was a tight fit onto the crank. I test fitted the transmission input shaft after installing the bushing and before installing the clutch/pressure plate/bellhousing and the fit is good.
I tried engaging the clutch while pushing on the trans to get it to in the last 9/16", it didn't help, I don't think the clutch plate moved at all. I guess I just need to do a better job of alligning the clutch, there's alot of slop in the allignment tool however. I'll contiunue with dissamsble/assemble untill I finally get it right. I hope it doesn't take too many more times.
Thanks
Are you rotating the trans to get the splines to mesh? I usually need to wiggle the yoke/driveshaft back and forth a little to get them to mesh up. If you have the yoke and driveshaft installed you can jack the back end off the ground with the car in nuetral and rotate a tire back and forth a little to make the trans rotate.
I'm on my 2nd try to get the pilot bushing into the crank. The first time it went in very hard using a socket/hammer. After getting it in, the transmission input shaft would not fit; I found this out after installing the new clutch and pressure plate, and the old bellhousing. Either I didn't get it in straight or the I.D. shrunk due to the strain of the tight fit on the crank.
Are there any instalation tricks here? Has anybody else experianced this?
Thanks in advance.
There's a possibility that the crank your trying to install a pilot bushing in was used with an automatic trans.
If that's the case and it sounds like it to me from personel experience, then you'll have to get the crank machined or you could ask your machinist if he has a Dorman 690 - 034 bushing made to correct this problem.
Evidently the General saved a few bucks by not doing the final machine work on cranks going in automatic cars. Dorman made this bushing for people doing conversions from auto to manual trans.
I had a 327 crank out of a pass car that had the same problem and returned to machine shop to have it corrected. Thae machinist did a little research and came up with this bushing and saved me a few bucks.
I read your post when it came out while at work and did'nt have the p/n at that time. That why I;m late posting this reply. Hope it helps you and others out having this problem. LOL
Bob
I tried engaging the clutch while pushing on the trans to get it to in the last 9/16", it didn't help, I don't think the clutch plate moved at all.
Thanks
You need to adjust the clutch linkage to get full disengagement. The clutch plate is supposed to float on the input shaft when you step on the pedal. Don't be afraid to push hard or use the bolts to draw it in over the chamfer on the end of the input shaft. (Just don't reef real hard on the bolts, or you'll break off the tranny ears.) Joe
Last edited by joe73vette; Sep 15, 2004 at 05:22 PM.