bolting up lakewood between toploader and FE

[KevinW]

Probably an easy one for many....but hopefully someone can help me out here....

Ive now installed the FE + Toploader with a Lakewood housing.

But now im wondering if I tightened the bellhoising to engine block bolts suffiiciently. Can someone tell me the torque settings that should be applied? - or is it just 'FT' ?

[lovehamr]

This is a link to the Lakewood instruction sheet but oddly it includes no torque specs.
http://www.mrgasket.com/Portals/0/do...5210_15220.pdf

[Clois Harlan]

If I remember correctly I torqued my bolts to 40-45 lbs. That is the same system I have on my Cobra. Never lost a bolt in 12 years.


Clois

[kevins2]

The Lakewood install instructions indicate the bolts are grade 8 3/8" bolts. My ERA manual doesn't specify specific torque values for the bellhousing but lists a torque value for 3/8" grade 8 bolts at 46 ft.lbs.

[kdavies3]

Hi Kev,
I just went with FT on mine this weekend.
The bolts I used have full sized hex heads so spanner access is tight I may change them Allen bolts to allow better torquing.
BTW mines on a TKO but I doubt it makes a difference.

[RICK LAKE]

Kevin W Kevin before you do the final bolt up, things to check
1 is the bell housing centered on the back of the motor?
2 measure the length of the input shaft and check the distance to make sure the transmission when bolted to the bellhousing if not pushing on the crankshaft and cause failure of the thrust bearing.
3 Check the starter for engagment of the flywheel. You want the teeth to be about .035" between them extended and for the starter gear to cover the whole tooth on the flywheel. OEM starter may be OK but Mini starter will need to be checked on the motor.
4 I used grade 8 allen head bolts and washers with a single drop of lock-tite on each one. Medium strength (BLUE) and let cure. Same for trans bolts. May have to trim washers for flat fit. No more than 45 pound of torque.
5 Good luck Rick L.

[KevinW]

Thanks all, and as always great info.

Rck - yes, bellhousing already centred using the offset dowels, checked the i/p shaft length and checked the clutch disengaged using a large piece of wood on the lever before pulling the assembly off the garage floor. very good advice.