Bell housing dowel pins in transmission

[carson.frs]

I am replacing clutches and everything went smoothly up to this point. I am having trouble remarrying the transmission to the motor. I’m not sure if this is what is contributing to this but 1 of the 2 dowel pins that are supposed to be in the motor are actually in the transmission side. Do you guys think that this is an issue?

I feel like this wouldn’t affect getting it on really but I thought I might as well ask. I’ve spent so long trying to get my transmission back in (I’m on jackstands in my garage) so I figured I might as well cut out any possibilities.

As for everything I’ve done to help the install go smoother if anyone has any pointers, I have put anti seize on dowels, greased throw out bearing and input shaft, I have stabilized the engine and tilted it a little bit to try and help even it out, I made sure to use the alignment tool for clutch and I have wiggled the trans for probably around 6 hours.

Any help is appreciated!

[blsfrs]

If the gap is only 1/4" or so, VERY GENTLY tighten the bolts to evenly pull the engine and tranny together. If you feel you are using more than 2 ft lbs of torque something else may be wrong. I've had to do this with my FRS X2 for the engine out and X1 for transmission out.

[carson.frs]

Ok good to know. I guess I’m not exactly to the point that the dowel pins are even making full contact yet. It just will not slide on the bolt. Do you think using a Prybar to move it closer would be bad? I had been using bolts to try and pull it closer before but then decided I should make sure I’m not ruining and stopped as soon as I looked it up.

[blsfrs]

When you are pushing the transmission towards the engine, are you hitting a hard stop or does it feel springy? If springy, you might put a temporary zip tie around the clutch fork and slave cylinder to keep the piston retracted. Hard stop means pull it apart and see what the block is. Post a photo of the gap.

[Ultramaroon]

If it's right, it should slip together right up to the dowels. Are you supporting the front of the engine?

[carson.frs]

I’ve taken out the trans a few times the past 2 days just to check things and I have gotten it down to the dowels once. Right now there’s more of a gap but it’s pretty straight on there. I have the engine supported and have lifted it just a little bit to give it more of a tilt because the top of the trans had a much larger gap than the bottom before. Note that I just barely put the 3 extra bolts on. That’s where I’m at right now.

[carson.frs]

[Ultramaroon]

That's too far apart. Something's binding. Don't force it.

[carson.frs]

Alright so just keep wiggling then?

[Ultramaroon]

If you haven't loosened the pressure plate, yes. Play with the angles. Maybe spin the input shaft a smidge but it comes down to getting it perfectly lined up with the crankshaft. Whatever you do, don't force it.

[carson.frs]

Alright thank you!

[WNDSRFR]

Originally Posted by carson.frs

Been there. Done that.
Try having someone put a wrench on the crank shaft and turn it back and forth while you wiggle and push on the transmission. That's what finally worked for me after 3 days of trying.

[carson.frs]

Oh good idea! Ill try that today.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by WNDSRFR

Try having someone put a wrench on the crank shaft and turn it back and forth while you wiggle and push on the transmission.

Brilliant!