Installing transmission for 3 hours, still stuck. 0.75" Gap, pilot bearing?

[rcfanatic]

I'm almost done with this project, but of course I have another setback.. aside from the rain every few hours...

Twice I have gotten the transmission installed such that there is a 3/4" gap keeping it from mating completely with the engine. The input shaft must be somewhat in place because if I lower the jack the transmission will stay suspended.

When I installed the pilot bearing, I installed it flush with the surface of the flywheel. I couldn't drive it deeper because I don't have anything that is the right diameter except for the old bearing, which I didn't want to get stuck inside the flywheel assembly.

So, is the bearing causing the problem? Does it need to be recessed more to allow the shaft to insert further? Do I just need to keep wrestling with the transmission?

[drumad]

Pilot bearing should be against the inner lip that's within the hole. Lip obviosly stops it from going any deeper. This is how it was on my 240 at least. Then again at you sure you're shoving the tranny enough into it?

Edit: crap the 240 has a pilot bushing vs a bearing. I think you need to wrestle with it more. Took me like three hours to finally get m 240's bell hosing flushing with the engine.

Edit2: you're also 3/4" away so you should be money. Keep rassling with it.

[rcfanatic]

I'm pushing it and shaking hard enough to slide myself backward on the ground..

[rcfanatic]

Another way to answer the question is whether the diameter of the splined portion of the input shaft is small enough to even fit into the hole with the pilot bearing.

[drumad]

I used vice grips to close the gap between the engine an the bellhousin flange.

Edit: as soon as you can start getting those bolts on too

[rcfanatic]

I actually tried using clamps to draw it in about .200" but it just sprung back out when I removed them

[drumad]

Keep at it and get those bolts started. That's all I got. Then again hopefully you're not some 100 lb malnourished child doing this.

[rcfanatic]

It would be one thing if I could see progress, but no matter how much I try it just stays at 3/4". I'm stronger than most men which leads me to believe I'm wasting time/effort.

[drumad]

Ca you get the bolts started at least? Oh one other thing. If your engine gives when you shove forward, then that's preventing alot of your force from going into the pilot shaft.

[Teaguer]

Seems like you may not have the angle of attack right.
Tilt up the rear and start wiggling it and shoving it towards the engine. It will give.

[rcfanatic]

Teaguer: Can you confirm if the pilot bearing is correct?

[erik325i]

Did you make sure your clutch disk is perfectly centered? If it's off, then the transmission shaft will slide though the clutch disc splines but won't match up perfectly with the pilot bearing making it difficult install.

[Teaguer]

It is ok. If it does need to go back slightly the input shaft and tranny would seat it without any issues. Thats not your hangup.

[rcfanatic]

Did you make sure your clutch disk is perfectly centered? If it's off, then the transmission shaft will slide though the clutch disc splines but won't match up perfectly with the pilot bearing making it difficult install.

Yep used the alignment tool, everything fitted as it should.

Erik: Can you confirm if the pilot bearing is correct from the first picture?

[KenC]

I don't think your clutch is lined up right. You used the e30 alignment tool right?

Did I read correctly that you lowered the supporting jack with no bolts in the tranny? I bet you torqued the clutch disc out of alignment..

I've taken my 240 out about ten times. It should just slide right in. Put a little grease on the input shaft.