Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Aluminum casting flash question

[JGheen]

During my removal of my transmission and related parts, I noticed on my flywheel housing that mates the the block, as well as some on the clutch housing, had quite a lot of casting flashing on it. After I cleaned all the clutch dust and grime off of them, it really looked bad. I doubt they are cracked, but would it be wise to take a cartridge roll and smooth those flashing marks out some? Do those housings have a tendency to crack at all with all that flashing?

I really don't want to get a new one cuz it will most likely have the same amount of flashing, not to mention the flywheel housing is over $250. Let me know what some of you guys have done to your housings, if anything, to address these casting marks.



Thanks!



Joe

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

You could knock off big stuff that might fall off later, but I haven't heard of any cracking. Be sure it is clean at the mounting surfaces. Also you can attach a dial indicator to the crank, turn the engine over, and be sure the hole is centered over the crank. Some aren't and that causes pilot bearing, etc. problems.

 

[JGheen]

You could knock off big stuff that might fall off later, but I haven't heard of any cracking. Be sure it is clean at the mounting surfaces. Also you can attach a dial indicator to the crank, turn the engine over, and be sure the hole is centered over the crank. Some aren't and that causes pilot bearing, etc. problems.

Thanks Joe!



I guess I will just clean it up a bit, remove some of the flakes and smooth everything out.

About the alignment of the clutch housing, is it really necessary to check if the hole is centered if no previous bearing wear occured? What are the tolerances of how much it can be out of alignment and should I find some new dowel pins or just leave the old ones in there?



Thanks again,



Joe