Bell-Housing and Transmission
With the clutch assembly reinstalled on the engine, the bell-housing and transmission can be mated back up with the engine prior to its reinstallation in the vehicle.
Note: This is a summary of steps included in the automotive restoration procedures shown in this episode of Classic Car Restoration. These are general guidelines for restoration procedures on this particular make and model of vehicle, and for the level of restoration selected for this project. There may be variations in procedures depending on model, condition of vehicle, level of restoration undertaken and the types of replacement parts or upgraded kits selected. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or kit that you select.
Materials:
Standard automotive tools (socket-wrenches, screwdrivers, nut drivers, etc.)
Torque wrench
Refurbished transmission assembly and bell-housing
Engine grease
Steps:
- The bell-housing includes a throw-out bearing pivot. That needs to be greased before the bell-housing is installed. Grease should also be applied to the throw-out bearing arm before it is installed. This will help provide the restored Corvette with that smooth "new-car feel" to the clutch.
- Extend the throw-out bearing arm through the opening in the bell-housing (figure A), making sure that the pivot-ball is sitting between the forks of the bearing arm.
- Make sure that the inside surface of the bell-housing is clean and free of grit before reinstalling the bell-housing. Also clean the surface of the engine where the housing mates up with the engine.
- Once both surfaces are clean, position the bell-housing on the engine (figure B), making sure to line it up properly using the locator pins as guides.
- Once the bell-housing is resting securely on the locator pins, lubricate the bell-housing bolts, thread them in through the housing and hand-tighten them down to about 15 foot-pounds following a star-pattern.
- Go back and tighten each of the bolts (figure C) to about 25 foot-pounds.
- The next step is the installation of the throw-out bearing itself. This critical component rides on the front of the transmission extension. Apply a thin layer of grease onto both the inside and outside surfaces of the throw-out bearing.
- Place the throw-out bearing onto the throw-out-bearing arm, gently "walking" the bearing onto the end of the arm (figure D). The arm incorporates two small clips that hold the bearing in place.
- The engine is now ready to receive the transmission. Make sure that the mating surfaces of the transmission and bell-housing are clean. Also make certain that the splines of the transmission extension are dry and clean by wiping them with a clean shop-rag (figure E). Then apply a small amount of grease to the smooth surfaces at the tip and neck of the transmission extension.
- Installation of the transmission onto the bell-housing is a two-man job (figure F). As one person helps lift the weight of the transmission, the second person can carefully thread the transmission extension through the throw-out bearing, through the clutch disc and into the pilot bearing.
- With one person still supporting the back of the transmission, begin tightening the pilot bolts to secure and seat the transmission (figure G), carefully maneuvering the transmission forward and tightening the bolts incrementally as the transmission gets fully seated.
- Once the transmission is all the way in, and secure, install and tighten the bottom bolts and lock washers.
- Remove the top pilot bolts, then replace them with lock washers added.
- Finally, use a hand-wrench to tighten each of the bolts down (figure H) to about 30 foot-pounds of torque.
In the episode that follows, the engine and transmission are installed in the vehicle, followed by a number of engine accessories and other parts.
RESOURCES :
Corvette Black Book : 1953-2001
Model: 0933534477
Author: Michael Antonick
Corvette: The American Legend
Model: 0785343741
Author: Consumer Guide Editors
Classic Car Restorer's Handbook: Restoration Tips and Techniques for Owners ...
Model: 1557881944
Author: Jim Richardson
Order this book from Amazon.com
H.P. Books
Classic Car Restoration Guide: The Complete Illustrated Step-By-Step Manual
Model: 1850108900
Author: Lindsay Porter
Order this book from Amazon.com
Haynes Publishing
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