Installing Black Sea's Super Clamp: Removal of Flexplate and Flywheel?
07-05-2009 | 10:09 PM
#1
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Installing Black Sea's Super Clamp: Removal of Flexplate and Flywheel?
Hello,
I have read with much interest the threads on TBF. Can Black Sea's Super Clamp be accomplished by removing the flywheel and flex plate ala http://www.billsworkshop.com/P928S4/seal/seal.htm? In looking at these pictures, it seems that it could be a possibility. I also tried the link to DR website for the super clamp installation instructions, but the link was dead. Thanks!
Vince
87 928 41K miles
I have read with much interest the threads on TBF. Can Black Sea's Super Clamp be accomplished by removing the flywheel and flex plate ala http://www.billsworkshop.com/P928S4/seal/seal.htm? In looking at these pictures, it seems that it could be a possibility. I also tried the link to DR website for the super clamp installation instructions, but the link was dead. Thanks!
Vince
87 928 41K miles
07-05-2009 | 10:39 PM
#2
Under the Lift
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From: Buckeye, AZ
Hi Vince:
My answer is, well, no or maybe....
I was initially going to say there is not enough clearance between the end of the shaft and the crank end to remove the old clamp or install the new one. I wrote that procedure you linked for the rear main seal. You can't see the end of the TT shaft, but there is not enough clearance. I discovered this when we needed to replace the flexplate and clamp in a buddy's 90 S4. So, we had to go the additional steps of dropping the bellhousing down and swinging the front end of the TT shaft down below the bottom of the block. Removal of the exhaust, heat shields and brace plates under the TT is part of this.
However, it just occurred to me that we did not loosen the rear TT shaft clamp and try to move the shaft back a bit into the torque converter. The shaft should move if you completely remove the rear pinch bolt. That bolt locks the shaft position as it is trapped in a groove cut into the shaft. Once that bolt is out, some mallet blows on the front of the shaft should get it to go back, I'm guessing enough to get the clamp off. BUT then your problem is getting the shaft back forward to the correct position. I think you could lever it forward again at the front with a prybar working against the clamp temporarily tightened down.
I've been holding off on installing the Super Clamp until I had call to replace the TT, but rethinking this, maybe it could be done without requiring the TT to be removed or even dropped down in the front. Regardless, I am sure you can do it the way we did my buddy's flexplate/clamp replacement.
My answer is, well, no or maybe....
I was initially going to say there is not enough clearance between the end of the shaft and the crank end to remove the old clamp or install the new one. I wrote that procedure you linked for the rear main seal. You can't see the end of the TT shaft, but there is not enough clearance. I discovered this when we needed to replace the flexplate and clamp in a buddy's 90 S4. So, we had to go the additional steps of dropping the bellhousing down and swinging the front end of the TT shaft down below the bottom of the block. Removal of the exhaust, heat shields and brace plates under the TT is part of this.
However, it just occurred to me that we did not loosen the rear TT shaft clamp and try to move the shaft back a bit into the torque converter. The shaft should move if you completely remove the rear pinch bolt. That bolt locks the shaft position as it is trapped in a groove cut into the shaft. Once that bolt is out, some mallet blows on the front of the shaft should get it to go back, I'm guessing enough to get the clamp off. BUT then your problem is getting the shaft back forward to the correct position. I think you could lever it forward again at the front with a prybar working against the clamp temporarily tightened down.
I've been holding off on installing the Super Clamp until I had call to replace the TT, but rethinking this, maybe it could be done without requiring the TT to be removed or even dropped down in the front. Regardless, I am sure you can do it the way we did my buddy's flexplate/clamp replacement.
07-05-2009 | 11:05 PM
#3
Under the Lift
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From: Buckeye, AZ
Re-rethinking this.....
It may be possible to create enough clearance to replace the clamp by RAISING the front of the TT so the end is above the boss on the crank. I know you can get the old clamp off this way. This may be the simplest way. HOWEVER, one precaution... When I jacked up the front end of the TT once, I could not get the shifter to move past R afterward.
The TT had pushed up the bottom of the shift mechanism, bending a bracket that now blocked movement of the shift lever. It's easy to remove the cover over the shifter, remove a few bolts and lift the shifter up and prevent or fix this damage.
It may be possible to create enough clearance to replace the clamp by RAISING the front of the TT so the end is above the boss on the crank. I know you can get the old clamp off this way. This may be the simplest way. HOWEVER, one precaution... When I jacked up the front end of the TT once, I could not get the shifter to move past R afterward.
The TT had pushed up the bottom of the shift mechanism, bending a bracket that now blocked movement of the shift lever. It's easy to remove the cover over the shifter, remove a few bolts and lift the shifter up and prevent or fix this damage.
