I have been trying to retrieve the broken pieces of the nose of my starter from the bellhousing. I can't see much with the inspection cover removed, nor can I feel any pieces in the bottom of the bellhousing, feeling around with a wire. I heard them rattling around when they broke, so unfortunately I know they're in there. I am looking for the easiest method of separating the bellhousing just enough to find and remove the pieces. I would, of course, like to remove and/or dissconnect as little as possible. I'm hoping someone can give me a shortcut to getting into the bellhousing that involves less than the service manual calls for.
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Re: RETRIEVING BROKEN STARTER NOSE PIECES
Well, since it is between the engine and the transmission, you have to move one of them to get the bellhousing to move. Too bad you didn't have one of those real early ones with the removable bottom piece.
If you have light, mirrors, and one of those remote grabbing tools, you can try shining light under the flywheel, remove the clutch fork cover, and reach through there to pick out the pieces. If not, then you have to separate the bellhousing.
The easiest would be to remove the driveshaft, disconnect the transmission mounting, and remove the shifter (maybe only the handle if lucky).
Put a piece of 2x4 on a jack under the oil pan and exert just enough pressure to see the transmission lift on its mount. The 2x4 may bend the pan slightly (cosmetically only) so if you want to avoid that, use a much larger piece of wood or connect a hoist to the top back of the engine.
Remove the bellhousing-to-engine bolts. Insert a 6 inch long bolt in one of the lower bolt holes on each side. This will help keep the bellhousing aligned and connected.
Disconnect the clutch linkage at the fork.
There may be other items in the way. Disconnect or remove as needed.
Separate the bellhousing from the block. You may need to lift the rear of the transmission to clear the crossmember. You only need to move back a little to get clearance past the flywheel.
Going back together may not be too smooth. Hopefully, it will, but if you cannot get the bellhousing to come back flush, then the transmission input shaft is misaligned with the pilot bushing. Two ways to handle this:
1. Bring the bellhousing as close as possible, probably within an inch. Have the bolts snug, not tight. Connect the clutch linkage and depress the clutch. You should be able to bring the bellhousing in flush by tightening the bolts with minimum force. If you are having to really crank on them, then something is still stuck.
2. If 1 doesn't work or you don't want to take the chance, remove the transmission bolts and insert two long bolts in the lower holes as guide pins. Disconnect the transmission from the bellhousing. You only need an inch or two of separation. Bolt the bellhousing flush to the engine. Attach the clutch linkage. Depress the clutch. Slide the transmission in. Reattach everything else you removed or disconnected. -
Re: RETRIEVING BROKEN STARTER NOSE PIECES
Thanks for the detailed replay, I appreciate it. I'll try one more day to retrieve the broken parts, then I'll give up and do as you have outlined.Comment
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Re: RETRIEVING BROKEN STARTER NOSE PIECES
Can you tell from the pieces you have recovered how much is missing?Comment
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Re: RETRIEVING BROKEN STARTER NOSE PIECES
If it broke into two pieces, they would each be about 1 1/2". I thought about trying to find a borescope to insert into the starter opening and locating the pieces. Have any ideas?Comment
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