making hole in bellhousing - good/bad idea?

[350zwelgje]

Had one of my bright engineer ideas to fix my clutch problem, before my garage is build by the end of this summer. As only then I will be able to take the engine and box out.
I only need to replace my clutch lever (mine is pierced fully by the pivot in the middle). The rest is fine for the moment (clutch, bearing, gearbox, hydraulics).

Source of the idea: Saw a picture of a Griffith bellhousing with an 8cm hole. Could be for inspection/access to the clutch, or to do the same type of repair. Don't know if it had a LT77 or T5.

So my plan: make an access hole at the bottom of the bellhousing just enough to take the damaged lever out and install a replacement. Can imagine that it is not so good for the strength of the bellhousing, but perhaps no problem as Griffiths have much more power. Putting back on a sturdy metal plate with bolts could perhaps help a bit. Have a spare bellhousing in case all goes pear shaped.
Perhaps even a worthwhile modification for us, to handle clutch operating inspections and fixes instead of taking gearboxes out etc.?

Advice please: Good or bad idea?

Thanks in advance.

Rob (please let it be a good idea)

[firefox1712]

So you've already done it then?

[rev-erend]

I think it's a good idea - although I'm not really qualified to comment..

8cm's sounds pretty big though - if you do it : don't make the whole with a lump hammer

I don't think the twisting or clamping pressure on a bellhousing is high but it would make the bell more fragile during engine / clutch alignment.

350Matt might be ya man or Jules.

[350zwelgje]

firefox1712 said:

So you've already done it then?

Nothing done yet, but would like to get the wedge back on the road as soon as possible.
At least I tried my replacement ecu, so I can make nice noises without moving....

Rob

[firefox1712]

I'm a good bit less qualified than others. Whilst it might sound like a good idea, my thoughts are on the lines of "..if we were meant to fly we would have been given wings"

[adam quantrill]

"If we were meant to cut holes we would have been given an angle grinder."

I can't see many downsides - if the bell shape turns pear shape then you just have the same job you had anyway - yank out the engine.

Let us know how it goes.

[leorest]

Don't know about the stress side, but another thing to watch out for is making sure you get all of the swarf out. I'm in the same boat with the garage. Just trying to put off all the jobs till they can be done in the luxury workshop I have planned!

[Boosted LS1]

I did it years ago when I needed access to adjust a twin plate clutch. I made 3 circular holes which overlapped eachother in a triangular formation. The holes were done with a holecutter fitted to a drill and were each at least 1" in diameter. They were at the bottom of the housing. I was able to rotate the flywheel and get pretty good access in there. I then fitted an inspection cover made of sheet aluminiun thrteaded and tapped into the bell housing.

Never had any problems.

Boosted

[350matt]

Slice away I'd say, mainly as the fixing bolts to the engine are all much further up as there's only a bit of tin banking plate which bolts to the underside.Consequently providing you don't cut the thing in half it should be fine.
Also my wedge had a large rectangular hole cut out on the bottom of the bellhousing and I did about 60K miles with no cracks or problems, the cut out section was only held in with some kind of glue as well so won't have been contributing much

Matt

[350zwelgje]

Good news! Thanks for the feedback.
Will keep the hole as small as possible of course.
Now to find the time to do it, and get those nice high axle stands I promised myself nice a long time.

Looks then like the chances to be able to get to BBWF and Zolder with the wedge are increasing to above zero.....

Rob

[Boosted LS1]

I doubt you'll be able to pull the lever out though, because you won't be able to get it off the slave carrier. Are we talking of a rover LT77 box?

Boosted.

[350zwelgje]

Yes, LT77. Boosted you are probably right, but.... Currently trying to figure out on my spare box (complete with bellhousing, bearing, lever and pushrod) if it can be done. At the moment it looks that it won't be simple and to need a lot of time/tries, but it still seems possible. So still plan to give it a try, until I have proven that it is impossible on the spare box.
Difficult to not get distracted as the spare box is in my wine cellar....... We need to keep the good stuff with the good stuff isn't it?

Don't know when I will give it a real live try yet, but will keep you posted.

Rob

[Boosted LS1]

350zwelgje said:

Difficult to not get distracted as the spare box is in my wine cellar....... We need to keep the good stuff with the good stuff isn't it? Rob

Well, why don't you invite the collective talent of the PH massive to lend a hand

Boosted.

[350zwelgje]

You all wanna come over to Belgium? Great idea!
See you all then at the Zolder Continental meeting then, with hopefully my fixed wedge.

Rob