Bellhousing install

Wisconsin_Snake · #1 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 06:40 PM

I read a couple places that whe you install the bellhousing (I have a Lakewood shatterproof) that you are suppose to take a dialer idicator so you can center the bellhousing....

My question... where can I borrow/rent one from??? I tried the auto parts stores that carry speciality loaner/rental tools... None of them knew what I was even talking about.

Steve Dickey · #2 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 08:19 PM

W Snake
It's very important that you do check. Many are off. Getting the dial indicator in the correct position with a magnetic stand is a real pain in the rear, to say the least. The best thing to do is make yourself a little jig to hold the dial indicator on the flywheel. It took me ten minutes to fabricate and I'm quite sure saved me hours. I started trying to correct my offset with the offset dowels- just could not get it right. Then I went with the weld on method-quick and easy! If you send me your e-mail address I'll send you a picture of my jig if you need it. As for where to rent one, I can't help you with that.
Good luck, Steve

Double Venom · #3 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 08:30 PM

Steve,

Sorry to be seen in my ignorant mode, but "weld on method"??
DV

TheShadow · #4 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 08:47 PM

Hello Steve,

Can you tell us what the weld on method is. Bell housing can be difficult to get right. If you know a better way I would like to hear it.
Thanks, Ed

ERA 626 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 09:57 PM

Excaliber · #6 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 10:00 PM

Must be weld a "holder" for the dial indicator, but WHAT would you weld it to?

Ernie

Steve Dickey · #7 (**permalink**) 10-11-2002, 06:52 PM

Guys,
Sorry for the confusion. Due to the fact that I type about 5 wpm, I tend to shorten my thoughts to things like "weld on method". To my knowledge, there are two methods to correctly index your bellhousing to the block if you find you have excessive runout. The first, is to purchace offset dowels available from Lakewood. I thought this would be a very simple approach as I was only 0.007" out. But in my hands this method did not work well. I chased my tail for an hour and must have worn my cam flat turning the engine over and over My biceps are looking pretty good however. The second ("weld on") method went very quick and easy for me. Lakewood sells longer dowel pins and very thick"washers", that I would call a short sleeve. R and R the existing dowel pins with the longer pins, then enlarge the dowel pin holes in your bellhousing by 1/16th inch. Now you have alot of freedom to move the bellhousing around. Next, lightly sung all the bellhousing bolts, and check your alignment. If you are off, tap the flange on the bellhousing with a hammer. Repeat till you are on the money, torque all the bolts to spec. and recheck again. When all is well, slide the thick washers over the long dowels (which stick out beyond the bellhousing) and weld the washers to the bellhousing. Given the number of times you will have to mount the dial indicator and how difficult it is to do with the magnetic base, the jig is a smart way to go. I could remount in 30 sec with zero frustration and get repeatable measurements. If anyone has problems removing the old dowel pins, I'll hire a typist and give you my method for that. I'll try and post a picture of the indicator stand here or in my gallery. If I'm unable(highly likely) e-mail me and I'll shoot you off a photo. Mrmike , I got your e-mail and I'll send you one.
Good luck all, Steve D***ey

Steve Dickey · #8 (**permalink**) 10-11-2002, 07:01 PM

My picture of the jig exceeded the maximum file size. If anyone is willing, I can e-mail it to them and they can shrink and post it.
Take care, Steve