I need to check out some noise issues on my newly installed clutch and tranny. I'm thinking of using a 4" hole saw and making a inspection hole on the bottom of the bell housing.

Any body tried this, any unexpected results (read problems).

Thanks RJR

 

Just off hand I would say uhhh No...

The structural strength of the bellhousing would be seriously sacrificed by hoggin a hole in it. I would pass on that idea.. Sorry.

 

And 4" no less....yikes!!! .

I could see maybe a small hole and some type of optical device stuck in the hole.

 

We rgularly use a bore scope on aircraft engines but these use no more than a 1/2" hole and this is reinforced for case integrity. Opening up a hole in a cast case is BAD JUJU!!

 

Imagine you've made this gigantic hole in your bell housing and everything seems OK for a while. But small stress cracks are starting to form from the repeated strain placed on it with every gear change. You're merging onto the highway one day and have got it floored when suddenly your bellhousing gives way, your gear shift immediately slams onto your right leg with all the torque your engine is developing and pieces of your clutch and flywheel explode through the thin sheet metal of your floor board right into your feet and legs....... man who needs Halloween for a bigger scare!

 

Automatic trucks have an access at the bottom of the bellhousing it looks kinda like a half moon and is coverd by a small piece of tin with three small screws holding it on. I know of a truck that has two 2in holes side by side cut with a hole saw at the bottom of the bellhousing for about 50,000 mi with no problems.

 

The inspection cover at the front of the auto is out of the stress area..

Do what you want...I would just say no to cutting into a cast housing..

 

This is the same area that he has made the two 2in inspection holes.

 

Ahh.. Ok..

 

Thanks for the comments. If I do make a inspection hole, I'll report on how it turnes out.

RJR

 

If you do make the hole, make sure you radius the corners so as to leave leave a stress riser. Grind the cut out to remove any saw marks that might have gone verticle away from the hole. There are ways to stiffen the outside of the hole if you have room.
Can let you know if you want.

Dave

 

Thanks Dave, the issues I have may not warrent making the hole. According to Peter with South Bend, the Con O I installed sometimes transmitts more noise than the stock clutch due the heavier sprung hub. It was suggested I give it a little time and it may quiten down.

We'll see.

RJR