Bell housing alignment

[AZMoparboy]

Hi All,

I am a self taught car mechanic. I try to  educate myself before attempting to do the job.  Unfortunately this leaves me with room for error in the order that I might discover something that I haven't done exactly correct. Usually I only reach out for help when I can't figure out or need advice on a specific task.

My new project has a 383 stock motor with a late 833 4 speed (overdrive) transmission. It's assembled with a Chrysler big block bell housing. Basically I built this engine and transmission as a 1969 b body setup. From the very start of this engine and transmission life, I've had a very interesting high pitch hum as clutch pedal is coming from the floor to pedal all the way up, clutch fully engaged, pedal full up, the hum is gone. This was a new clutch kit with disc, pressure plate, throw out bearing, and alignment tool.  In my opinion the clutch itself operates exactly the way it should other than the sound that is emanating at pedal transition.  This was also a low budget clutch kit .

This is where I start troubleshooting and reading about everything that can go wrong with a clutch. My first thought was that the throw out bearing was no good. Reading on I see that I should have checked out the alignment of the bell housing  to engine block.

Has anyone ever had to install their bell housing using the off set dowel pins on a stock build up? Has anyone ever had new, but bad throw out bearing? Appreciate any help or ideas.

Thanks in Advance,
Steve

[timmycharger]

I had to use offset dowels to set my bellhousing but it was on a Lakewood vs. a stocker.  I used the dowels from Robbmc and the Browell tool to ensure it was perfectly centered. There are other methods but this was the easiest.

[AZMoparboy]

Hi,

Well with the noise that I was experiencing from the clutch, I broke down and took it apart. Took a look at the pilot bushing and the alignment of the bell housing.  Everything was great except for the throwout bearing. You could spin  it and feel a little bit of a vibration in the bearing. I bought a Hays throw out bearing, installed it and it's back together again.  Happy to say that  there is no more noise and all is good for now.

I just couldn't believe that the throwout bearing would go bad in a little over 1000 miles.

Thanks,
Steve