[DML] Re: Clutch replacement advice

["content22207" <brobertson@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Your Camero has ten big beautiful indestructible foolproof made to
last the ages splines. Your DeLorean has twenty some odd itty bitty
teeny tiny rediculously small easy to damage splines. See the difference?

IMHO a proper transmission jack is mandatory. I screwed up my first
disc with a regular floor jack. It also helps greatly to jack the car
level rather than rear end high. IMHO you should not use long bolts to
pull the transmission back to the engine -- if you bind the disc, the
splines WILL get messed up.

And when I say messed up, we're talking about amazingly little bend.
Just the *SLIGHTEST* imperfection will prevent the input shaft from
sliding through.

Watch the spring steel retainer on the clutch fork. It slips BEHIND
the ball in the bell housing.

Don't forget to change your rear main seal while the transmission is out.

Oh, I almost forgot. On the top of the transmission, holding the
triangular shift cable bracket, is (cue dramatic music): THE BOLT FROM
HELL. No joke: It is the most amazing piece of hardware on the entire
vehicle. Per original design, you can not bolt that bracket on while
the transmission is on the ground, then slip the cable in after the
transmission is reinstalled. I filed the rounded bottom edges off my
slot so I can bolt that bracket on while the transmission is on the
ground, then slip the cable in after the transmission is reinstalled.
Since another bracket pushes against it from underneath, the cable
can't fall out. Why didn't DMC do it that way from the factory?

If you need to remove the exhaust crossover pipe for clearance, do
yourself a favor and reinstall it with stainless nuts for future removal.

If you decide to replace your gear oil, remember that the bellhousing
is also the front of the transmission, not a separate casting (remove
it and all the oil runs out).

There are two roll pins at the top of the engine. Those are all that 
keep the transmission lined up. The bolts don't line it up -- they
merely hold it to the engine. My roll pins were OK, but the next time
I drop the transmission I may replace them with appropriate diameter
bolts for strength and durability (DeLoreans don't have the greatest
success with roll pins). I'll tap the engine for helicoils, install
the bolts, then knock the hex ends off.

Change your slave cylinder while the transmission is out. Easy from
underneath, eh?

Be careful reinstalling all those brown wires on the starter motor.
It's real easy to accidentally touch the block. I made a short pig
tail so there's only one wire attached to the starter motor (my
junction hangs in mid air). The flywheel cover is also a spacer plate
for the starter motor -- don't forget to reinstall it.

Bill Robertson
#5939

>--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "John M" <giantscorner@...> wrote:
>
> Morning Group
> 
> My winter project this year for 3760 will be the clutch.  I am 
> currently in the process of researching whether to go with the Valeo 
> OEM or something else.  I have R&R'd a few clutches in the past, 
> mostly on Camaro's, but this is the 1st time with my Delorean.  Any 
> helpful tips, problem bolts to access, etc..  I do have the workshop 
> manual but that can sometimes fall a little short at times.  Anyway, 
> any Tech tips would be appreciated
> 
> P.S. I will also post an FYI when we get closer to the DCS 2008 but I 
> recently moved from NY to PA (Dillsburg) which is real close to 
> Gettysburg.  Any travelers wishing to freshin up their D's before the 
> show are welcome at the house 
> 
> John
> VIN3760
>




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