1966 bell crank /clutch cross shaft

[Larry S.]

Ok So I know my bell crank is supposed to be zinc plated.But in reading the judging manual it states "plastic plug in place of a grease fitting".

So did they grease them then remove the grease fitting and then insert the plug?

Or was it never greased and should remain ungreased for judging?

[Mike M.]

Re: 1966 bell crank /clutch cross shaft

controversial topic, the grase fitting vs red plug. I own about 10 midyears, some from 1968. None had red plug in the bellcrank when i bought them used. Even more peculiar is absence of zerk fittings.If the c-2 bellcranks left St.louis with anything in the hole placed midway on underside of shaft, it was the plastic plug, not zerk fitting. could have lft with empty hole. mike.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1966 bell crank /clutch cross shaft

Larry------

The hole in the clutch lever assembly was provided for SERVICE greasing. It was not necessary to use this hole for greasing in PRODUCTION. In PRODUCTION, the cross shaft ball studs were greased PRIOR to assembly. The same thing could be done in SERVICE if one was willing to remove the lever assembly each time the greasing was to be performed. The hole in the lever was provided as a convenient alternative to this. By applying grease through the hole, the grease would fill the tube section of the lever and grease the ball studs.

The ball studscan be greased through the hole in the lever assembly without installing a grease fitting. Simply use a grease gun with a "pointed" rubber tip pressed into the hole. Afterwards, replace the little plastic cap.

[Peter L.]

Re: 1966 bell crank /clutch cross shaft

Hey Dr. Mike - You got the short end on the cross shaft plug. Both my '66 and '67 had the plug in the clutch cross shaft ( they are small blocks of course) and would you believe the one's in my cars were ORANGE not red (some swear they were red and whatever floats your boat) and the General could have been two suppliers but I don't know. Anyway shows what happens when you buy cars from people who read their Owner's Manuals. It's probably because you are also into those BIG BLOCKs and they needed to reduce the effort on pushing in those heavy duty clutches. (just kidding) Anyway, acccording to the '67 Owner's Manual, p. 44, ('64-'66 and C3 manuals also have the same basic info) "At 36,000 mile or sooner, if necessary, remove plug, install lubrication fitting and lubricate with lubricant specified in NOTE 1, Page 46. Lack of lubricant will cause high effort." According to the AIMs the '63 had a Zerk; but '64 and later production had the plastic plug. Hope we're having fun. Pete

[Larry S.]

Re: 1966 bell crank /clutch cross shaft

Thank You ! all for the replies.

Red plug it will

I am going thru my car (again,and again,)for a future flight judging and I keep re-reading the judging manual it seems every time I re-read the manual I find another minor detail that I have over looked.Pretty exciting stuff.My next step will be to aquire judging sheets and then judge it my self.

Thanks Again.I think the closer I get the more questions I will have.

Larry