Cover on bell housing site hole

Being a ex-mechanic, I would have to agree.
Clutch friction generates incredible heat - Like brakes. I used to glaze mine on a 60 Vette
that I used to drag race with the dust shield on. After many clutch disc (later) I thought about it and removed the dust cover and had no more problems.

Cool is good

Just my 2 cents...

Yep, and if you are ever back there when the engine is running it acts kinda like a fan too. Moves a little air around in there sorta. I used to worry something may fall in the hole, but nothing has so far.

Oohh, gonna remove my cover tonight, this never even crossed my mind.

Why hasn't someone thought of manufacturing something in between i.e. a mesh/gauze cover that looks 'cool' and is practical to 'cool' too?

Can't be that hard with some mesh and a two edge rubber strip, shirley.

Julian

I have had a Hall cover on mine for 6 years and never had any kind of clutch trouble.
My engine only makes about 350HP, but I do drive it hard.
I hope I am not tempting fate!

Johnny

I think I saw carbon fibre ones for sale some where

Uh, anyone ever seen any other manual transmission with a hole in the bell housing? Yes, removable cover plates on the bottom. But that damn ZF hole is an entrance with no removable cover to retrieve anything that falls in.

Anyone ever hear of clutch failure from heat?

Do you think that little hole is allowing some magic flow of air into the bellhousing and cooling the ZF gear oil in any way at all?

Lack of air causes WHAT lubricant to melt??!! What ARE they talking about?

Sorry, but this one just has me rolling on the floor, laughing out loud.

Dropping a nut or socket in that hole means performing a magic trick with a magnet on a string or removing the half shafts, a/c condensor/fan and ZF. My cover stays put.

YMMV.

Larry

I'm with you Larry,,,

Not taking mine out,,, Its in a great spot for "things" to fall in ........

Oil melting ?? ??


Did it come with a cover ???

Clutch dust all over my polished trans is not good. I will be keeping my cover on too!

Right or wrong, I was told long ago that it should be removed when running the car for ventilation.

It was meant to be used when working in the engine compartment so nothing would fall down into the ball housing area, and for car shows.

My car, like Johnny Woods, has had it on there for 6 years & I do track the car at least once or twice a year at our local track. Its got the same clutch in it that was there when I bought it & have never had any trouble. Think I'll keep it where it's at!

Bob

quote:

Originally posted by LF - TP 2511:


Lack of air causes WHAT lubricant to melt??!! What ARE they talking about?


Larry

Larry, lubricant was my word, probably wrong. I think the guy was referring to the throw out bearing getting hot. It has some lubricant in the bearings doesn't it. Just asking?

6661's sugar daddy

I always figured it was an ashtray for the mechanic working on the car. Nice place to throw your cigareette butts.

Heck Roland, you never really started did ya?? What were you twelve or something???

Whatever you do be sure and cover the bell housing hole when you wash the engine compartment. I didn't, rolled my car back into the garage. When I started the car up the following week I couldn't get the clutch to release from the preasure plate. It required removal of the transmission and clutch!

When I watersanded my trans compartment my clucth got wet and froze to the flywheel too. I had to replace it $800 later. My recomendation is to take the car out for a drive to warm and dry the cluch should it ever get wet. BTW my dash 1 does not have a hole......should i cut one?.. Just kidding