Bad clutch

[92646]

I do not not if this applies to big block Chevelles but on big block Camaros there is the issue of 3 different size throw out bearings and making sure that the replacement is the same height as the one that came out originally. Also if you have the original pressure plate available compare the height. I know this because when I installed a small block in a big block car I used the 11 inch clutch set up and the trans had to come out 3 times till I got it right.
Mark Sheppard

[Bill Rose]

[ QUOTE ]
One of the causes of early clutch failures is "hanging" the transmission while trying to get it seated in the pilot bushing. Just one second of off-center weight on the disc ruins it. That is why it is so critical to use a tranny jack or some other device to completely support the weight of the trans while you slide it into place. (I've learned from experience! )

[/ QUOTE ]

Steve, How would you know if the disc was ruined? What would it look like after you remove it? Would it be burned, or have scrapes in it, or ???

[njsteve]

No way to really tell by eye. If extreme cases you will see wear/burn marks on only one half of the flywheel. All it takes is to have the center hub portion bent by a couple thousandths and the disc is ruined. If it runs long enough it then wobbles/vibrates and damages the pressure plate. I've seen front bearings go and trans cases crack from the vibration in extreme instances.

In this case you would need to pull the flywheel and resurface it again to make sure it hasn't warped and then replace the disc, pressure plate and throwout bearing.

[68SSCamaro]

I have a set of pins that I made by cutting the heads off long bolts. I don't have the measurements here but I can get them when I get home. They thread into the bellhousing and leave a smooth surface. Once you get the tranny up on the pins it's aligned and you can slide it into place easily. I also have an extra yoke so I can turn it and slide at the same time. Works great on my BB Camaro.

[Bill Rose]

[ QUOTE ]
I have a set of pins that I made by cutting the heads off long bolts. I don't have the measurements here but I can get them when I get home. They thread into the bellhousing and leave a smooth surface. Once you get the tranny up on the pins it's aligned and you can slide it into place easily. I also have an extra yoke so I can turn it and slide at the same time. Works great on my BB Camaro.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey Martin, I like your idea. Simple but effective. Cut the head off of 4 bolts, 4 inches long X 1/2 (I think) thread size. Thread them into the bellhousing a few turns and slide the trans in (or out). My trans/bellhousing is coming out for some cleanup and repaint after the season is over. I will give your idea a shot.

[Alss]

I'm gonna try it too..tomorrow!!clutch parts are in work begins at 8 AM,,first off to the hardware store to get some bolts . Thanks.

ALbert

PS. Bill you can borrow them when I'm done

[njsteve]

Hints from Heloise: after you cut the ends off of the bolts, grind a slot into the end so you can use a scew driver to get them out when your done. Sometimes the trans binds them and makes it hard to remove them. Grease the sides, too to let the trans slide.

[Alss]

Well I am in from the pool after cooling off a bit. Clutch is in and operates a whole lot better than the old one!!, what a difference.Had a nice little road test and all seems good., whew!!...have a driveshaft issue though..seems the shaft is too long( did I just say that?) . I have barely enough room to get the rear joint on the yoke. IS that too long?? I am sending the shaft out to be balanced and checked for straightness, now would be the time to address the length issue. Any thoughts??. Thanks

ALbert

[Keith Tedford]

From what I recall, our car didn't have much extra room to get the rear yoke up into place either.

[Jeff H]

Albert, what clutch did you end up going with? The clutch in my L78 car is giving me a lot of chatter trying to get the car moving so I'm guessing I'll be doing a clutch swap in the fall. I'm not looking for a racing setup, just something that will work and not be painfully stiff.