Hi Denny -
Thanks for your interest! Here is the whole story.
Yes I do run a 261 engine, which makes no difference and I'm running a T-5 transmission, which also doesn't make any difference. The pressure plate is a 10" one used for 38-55 trucks I just bought. There really isn't anything in this setup that should be a problem. What has been the problem is the configuration of the part of the throwout bearing that sits against the clutch pressure plate fingers. The one I have had in there for 20-25 years is about 1/2" wide with a roundness to it from the outside to the inside of the surface that rests against the pressure plate. The roundness is kind of like a cake rises up in a baking pan - round from the outside edge to the inside edge of the circle. I'm sure you know what I mean. (Sorry for talking about cake and making us hungry, at least me!) The clutch fingers ride up on the circular mound to be able to release the clutch plate. The throwout bearings I'm getting from parts stores have smaller circular rising area only about 1/4" wide and then drop into a flat spot. This is from the outside edge inward toward the center of the bearing. The first one came to me buy walking into an independent parts store that I have bought from in the past and it was handed to me after I told them I needed a 38-55 throwout bearing. It was made in China. (That kind of made me unhappy, but what do you do?) The second came in a "clutch kit" I bought (mentioned above)to get a new pressure plate, because you can't buy just the pressure plate, you have to buy "the kit". So, the clutch fingers are working as they are supposte to until they cross the 1/4" rounded mound and go into the flat spot. The fingers snap and the clutch pedal slams to the floor. Upon release the clutch pedal starts upward and then pops, kicking the pedal as the clutch goes into the engaged position.
Needless to say, you can't drive with this condition and I have two throwout bearings that are supposed fit a 38-59 truck, but do not function correctly. So, I am looking for one of the throwout bearings like I have had in the truck for about 20-25 years. All I run into is the incorrect bearing or the stuff about having to buy a clutch kit to get a bearing - which I was told buy the local NAPA store yesterday.
That's the story!
Denny -
I just Googled the bearing number you gave me and it looks correct. That may also be the Alvin Chipmunk found at Advanced Auto. I am going to check it out.
Thank you!
Joe
Denny -
By looking through the information on line about the Part Number you mentioned, I see another Part Number mentioned as being a Y1697C. The BCA Number on the bearing I have is BCA 1697-22. The picture shown on the Advanced Auto site is shows the end of the bearing and it has the National Number on it, 614637 and another number:6-C1697-CA
Somehow, I should be able to put my hands on a bearing pretty quick. I can't, however, find any Advanced Auto Parts close to me, but I can buy online.
Thank you for input and help, Denny!
Joe
Last edited by 6cylindersovertexas; 04/14/2011 10:32 PM.
