Progress Thread Gumby Dd

[Gumbytex]

Replaced the clutch today. Upon opening it up found the flywheel only had 4 out of the 6 bolts and 4 out of 6 pressure plate bolts with 2 of those completely stripped. Unexpectedly I had to get a new fly wheel and bolts. Ended up using the 4 flywheel bolts anyway and I'm sure they will hold. Got 6 new pressure plate bolts however. It was absolutely filthy. Every nook and cranny caked in mud. Also, anyone know what that huge pocket on the bottom next to the drain plug is?

New flywheel, pressure plate, clutch, TB. Ready to go!

Whoever owned this car before me was obviously into taking short cuts. Anyone know whats going on with this cross member mounting and why it is so spaced out? Is it even the right cross member?

After buttoning everything up I pulled out of the shop to a persistent clicking noise in the clutch. I was so worried I screwed up but on the way home it went away and the clutch is making no noise at all and runs perfectly! Super happy it all worked out.....

 

[CarMichael Angelo]

Let's just think out loud here....how much of an imbalance do you suppose those two missing flywheel bolts add to the crank balance?

 

[Gumbytex]

Interesting question. But since the car was running without the two since I've owned it and I set the missing ones on opposite sides, I think the wear and tear from balance should be minimal. Obviously I should have bought some but I was lucky to find a flywheel locally and sometimes you just need to get to work monday lol.

 

[General karthief]

I hope it holds together, it likely will but what of it doesn't. I have to ask did you use a thread locker? Did you torque them to specs?

 

[Gumbytex]

Thread locker and torqued to spec at every step. I'm not lazy, just time constrained haha

 

[90sickfox]

That cross member is bolted all wrong. The 2.3 is supposed to have another bracket that bolted to the bottom of the car. See how its pulling the structure in towards the cross member and still doesn't touch.

The good news is the double hump v8 cross member will fit. The shifter location is the same between the two.... and so is the trans body.

 

[CarMichael Angelo]

Interesting question. But since the car was running without the two since I've owned it and I set the missing ones on opposite sides, I think the wear and tear from balance should be minimal. Obviously I should have bought some but I was lucky to find a flywheel locally and sometimes you just need to get to work monday lol.

Al I know is that there is a big assed hole drilled in the back of that crank that was there to be sure that it was in balance. The fact that it had 4 before doesn't make it a proper fix because you offset the missing ones.

I guess what ever is important to you is all that matters in the end.

 

[Gumbytex]

I guess what ever is important to you is all that matters in the end.

Also, thanks for the tip about the cross member. I'll look into a v8 one

 

[Gumbytex]

Had rear wheel cylinder failure on the drivers side. Took the opportunity to rebuild the rear brakes on both sides. Trying autocross for the first time in a few weeks! Wish me luck!

 

[90sickfox]

I wish ya luck man

 

[Gumbytex]

Autocross went well. Didnt finish last! I beat a Porsche 928 in time only. The 10plus year old tires were definitely the weakpoint. They gripped like hockypucks but I still had an excellent time, and nothing broke. Took it on a 900mi total trip to see my girlfriend too. Absolutely no problems. Very happy with how this car is running now.

Next up is new headlights, cross member, and center LMR console cupholder.

 

[Gumbytex]

Starter went out on the way home from work. Had to roll it off and replace that. Then the coolant lines from the water pump to the heater core sprung two pin holes so those have been replaced as well. Old cars need love to be daily driven!

 

[90sickfox]

These cars always need a lot of love....but it's worth it every time.