The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Separating Bellhousing from 216 engine

I am trying to pull the bell housing from my 216 out of my 1946 stylemaster but I can't seem to figure out how it comes off. I have the outer bolts that appear to attach it to the engine out but the thing won't come off. Do I need to pull the flywheel first? How do I separate the bell housing from the engine.

DG

Yes, you have to first remove the flywheel.
Then, remove the remaining bolts holding the clutch housing to the block.
Then, remove the clutch housing (if you cannot pull it off, hit in on both sides with a rubber mallet).

I did this not too long ago. The hardest part was breaking the bolts loose that hold the flywheel on. Maybe they have a special tool but the heads of the bolts holding mine on were very thin (shallow.... I can't think of the word for it but they didn't stick "out" too far). Anyway, make sure you have a six point box end on them very straight so you don't round off the bolt. Then smack it with a hammer or something to break it loose. I tried applying even pressure and that's when I rounded one off. When I smacked it good it broke loose.

The flywheel bolts have "keepers" on them that are bent over the corners of the bolts. You first have to bend those back out of the way. Then put a 6 point socket on them with the flywheel locked in position, and break them loose.
Careful!! That flywheel's heavy when it comes off and falls across your arm. (from experience)

It might be good to grind face of the socket flat before you round off the head of the bolt, some socket are deeply dished to make it easy to slip on the head - not good.

Ok, I got it off. Now, when I switch the bell housing and flywheel (specifically the flywheel) to the new 235 engine, Do I need to have it balanced, and does it go on any specific direction... or do I just bolt it on and go?????

Also whats the torque spec for the flywheel and clutch?

DG

It is best to take your flywheel to a machine shop to be resurfaced and take your clutch assembly with you to have them balanced.

The torque requirements can be found HERE

Flywheel bolts : 50-65 ft-lbs
Clutch:45-55 ft-lbs

Thanks for the response. Is this a requirement? I am using the original clutch and flywheel from the 216 and it is in fairly good condition... ran fine on my 216. My concern is not with the clutch and flywheel itself rather if I mount it to the engine without getting it balanced will it cause a vibration or will it likely be ok. The clutch is fairly new and has lot of meat on it. the flywheel felt pretty good on release before I took it out.

Sorry to reask the question but this project is starting to get expensive quick with all the many fitment issues not mentioned in the guide to swapping.

DG

It's a common switch and should not cause any problems.
Fred

Thank you for the response.

I figured based on the simplicity of the engine it would not be a problem, however, I just want to put this thing in once and have it run properly so I figured I would ask.

Thanks,

DG

In this case check the following with a dial indicator which can also help with troubleshooting if needed:

1.Mount dial to bell housing with stylus touching where the clutch disc contacts the flywheel. Rotate and look for axial run out. If refaced check again after that process.

2. Mount dial to crank and/or flywheel with stylus touching transmission mounting hole in bell housing. Rotate and look for radial run out between transmission input and pilot bushing.

These procedures are covered in the shop manuals which will also state the allowable run out tolerances. Personally I want those numbers under .002” and will make corrections to obtain it. Both the crank and bell housing are dowelled so it should be close.

i would replace the clutch disc mainly because you put a motor with more torque in the truck and you dont know if that disc will hold up, discs are pretty cheap and u might as well do it now while you have it apart, because as you know, with the torque tube,you have to go through a lot of hassle to get the trans out to change it later