DeTomaso Mailing List: March 98, Message #344
     



From: 	JDeRyke <JDeRyke@aol.com>

Subject: Re:  Re: How to assemble an engine- Pilot Bearings

Date: 	Sat, 7 Mar 1998 19:04:04 +0000





In a message dated 3/4/98 7:39:44 AM, KVERGES@figdav.com wrote:



<

Three words, Keith: don't do it! The main reason a bronze bushing is still

used there is, the butt end of the crank is impossible to lube right, it's hot

and the area is covered with highly abrasive clutch liner dust that tears seal

up. When (not if) your needle bearing pilot goes south, you'll never hear it-

until it seizes and takes the nose of the ZF input shaft with it! We tried

needle pilots in the late '70s, and I assure you the nose of a ZF clutch input

shaft is much more expensive than the nose of a Muncie, of which I lost my

share! Oh, and most of the needle bearings we found that would fit,were also

used in alternators- a bit of difference in loads & conditions! My Pantera

runs a Chev Corvair bronze pilot bushing (going on 9 years old). Fits the 351C

crank & ZF input just fine. J DeRyke