I removed the old pilot bushing tonight and installed a new one. The old one was jammed in so tight nothing would budge it. Pushing it out from behind with play-dough and grease failed miserably. I finally cut it out with a hack saw.
I took your advice and froze the new bearing. Then I put a light coat of grease on the outside. It still took considerable force to get the bearing into the engine, but nothing like the first time. I tried driving it in with a wood dowel and a hammer but that wouldn't work. I finally placed the ball end of a ball and peen hammer into the bearing and tapped on the other end with a two-pound sledge. Presto.
I have my fingers crossed that this will solve the problem, but I'll let you know in a day or two. If you don't hear from me again, it means the clutch still doesn't work and I sold the whole dang garage and bought a boat.
