Hello listers,
I have been asking around about the pilot bushing and its relationship
with the flywheel or crankshaft. This would be the first application
that I have heard of that allows the pilot bushing (bearing) to spin in
its bore. It appears that the symptom I suspected would occur is
occuring on my '73. I think having the bushing spin its bore is causing
an intermittent screech when idling, especially at start up. It's not the
throwout bearing as the whole Ladcruiser assembly is working nicely and
have about 1/4 inch travel before the T/O contacts the pressure plate.
The following information has been suppiled to me regarding pilot
bushings. Take it for what it's worth.
- Some people say it should spin in its bore, some people say it should
not and to center punch the bushing at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock to peen it
out a bit and secure it in the bore.
- LUK says it should never be allowed to spin in its bore, TRF says it
should.
- I stopped to speak to Bob at Britannic Motors in Avon, MA. He owns his
own shop and has repaired these cars since they were being cranked off
the assembly lines. He is a true gentleman, an absolute professional and
a perfectionist. He says the bushing SHOULD NOT be allowed to spin its
bore and offers the following advice. Take two course files and set them
in a vice so that each jaw of the vice has a file laying lengthwise.
Place the new bushing's outer circumference between the two files and
apply a small amount of pressure to the vice. Tap the end if one file so
that the outer circumference of the bushing walks along the files and
creates a knurl on the outer dimension of the bushing. Tap the newly
knurled bushing into the flywheel or crankshaft. If the knurl is not
pronounced enough to allow the bushing fit to be snug in its bore, just
apply a little more pressure to the vice. If you live in the general MA
area and need some work done I would highly recommend Bob. I promise
that you will be impressed.
- I also read at a clutch manufacturere's web site that an oil
impregnated bronze bushing should never be lubricated. Some people say
to slather grease on it, oil lightly or soak it in oil for 24 hours prior
to installation. Go figure.
Again, take it for what it's worth. Next time mine is apart it's getting
knurled.
Good luck and be careful out there,
Jay Welch (digest mode)
Abington, MA
1971 TR6 project and 1973 TR6 driver threatening to be a project
Member "Cape Cod British Car Club"
http://clubs.hemmings.com/capecodbritish/
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