Having to reseal the front cover with the engine still in the car. Got everything prepped to come out just wondering how you guys held the e-shaft forward so the needle bearing wouldn't drop. Id prefer not to rely on someone putting forward pressure on the clutch, so I can take my time with the reseal & gasket replacement.

Thanks

 

Pull the engine. Now. Don't even TRY to do this job with the motor in the car.

Read the above 3 times.

Remember, you have to seal the oil pan back up as well - try and do that while the front cover is off too? Forget it. Pull the engine you'll be way ahead of the game.

I've done about 5-6 front cover jobs on FC's a long time ago, and each one SUCKED. Took a full weekend of backbreaking work, and the FC has an oil pan that's a snap to get to and remove/install.

Also, get the metal front cover gasket - Atkins sells it. Installs super easy, no o-ring or sealant required. You do have to have clean, flat mating surfaces, again, another reason to pull the engine.

Dale

 

I have the same problem with my fd. Oil leak from the front cover. I will be pulling the motor out this week.

 

Thanks for the detailed reply Dale. The oil pan & subframe have already been removed I was initally resealing the pan & noticed a lot more issues.

I was reading into trimming a RX-8 gasket to work but will check out that Atkins one for sure!

I guess the FCs are push type clutches so you just wedged the pedal down?

 

When I was doing the front covers I was going all through the front stack as well. So, I was removing and re-installing the needle bearing. Don't ask why I was doing it, it's slightly embarrassing .

The Atkins gasket is I believe a 13b Cosmo gasket. It's plug and play, no modification needed.

Again, trust me, just pull it and do it right. You're going to be fighting around working under and around the car. It's so much easier out of the car. It's even easier if you have an engine stand, especially if you can flip the motor around.

Dale

 

Sounds like gods way of saying I should just rebuild the engine, hahaha

 

I replaced my front cover gasket with the engine in the car.

I jacked the front of the car up as high as my jack stands would allow to prevent the front stack from coming forward.

After I re-installed the font cover and front hub I checked for endplay to make sure the front stack did not fall forward.


It can be done, it is safer to remove the engine though.

 

Yeah I remember having to pop off the front pulley years ago because vibration caused the 10mm bolts to back out & one snapped off. I just had a friend underneath the car with a prybar in the inspection hole. I guess that's still an option if I move somewhat quick & hand my assistant a beer or two.

Everything is apart & the front cover is popped loose, just haven't cracked that eshaft bolt yet

 

When I did the job, with the engine in the car, I found the hardest part was getting the accessory brackets out of the way. I also found that some 2x4 pieces worked perfect for holding the subframe away from frame. Good luck, It did take me a whole weekend... A very sucky job...