pilot bearing in rear of crankshaft

[Al R.]

What may seem to be a stupid question, but could prevent transmission damage. Is the pilot bearing seated all the way to the back of the crankshaft where it can not be tapped in any further or would it be flush with the rim of the crank where the insertion begins?

[Jim D.]

Re: pilot bearing in rear of crankshaft

I install them flush with the crank. Never had a problem but I always make sure the trans. installs easily all the way to the bellhousing without using the bolts. Never use bolts to draw the trans. in tight. If there's a problem, pull the trans. to see what the problem is.

[Michael H.]

Re: pilot bearing in rear of crankshaft

What may seem to be a stupid question, but could prevent transmission damage. Is the pilot bearing seated all the way to the back of the crankshaft where it can not be tapped in any further or would it be flush with the rim of the crank where the insertion begins?

Al,

Actually most, if not all original pilot bushings were never installed deep into the crankshaft hole. In fact most have about 1/8" sticking out of the hole. I hope no one asks why because I don't know.

[Al R.]

Re: pilot bearing in rear of crankshaft

Thanks, I did not know if the bearing were not seated deep enough, if it would put undo pressure on the trans input shaft bearing. Thanks again for clearing this up for me.

[Timothy B.]

Re: pilot bearing in rear of crankshaft

Al,

The pilot bushing on my 63 is exactly like Michael Hansen describes in that is sticks out approx 1/8".

If you are not sure of the depth just measure with a rule from the flat transmission front surface where it bolts to the bellhousing to the machining of the input shaft where the bushing rides and then from the flat on the bellhousing to the bushing and compare where the input shaft rides in the bushing.

Probably the more important thing to check is the run out of the crankshaft around the bellhousing hole after the bell is bolted to the engine block, the cure for this is offset dowels.