Alex
Nordschleife
- Joined
- 6 Mar 2014
- Messages
- 22,195
As some will know, my clutch went last week, so it's with my mechanic at the moment having a new one fitted.
Upside to this is we have access to the legendary IMS bearing. So with all the knowledge and learning I've gained from this wonderful website, I decided we'd have a poke around and check things out. Just got back from the garage now so perfect timing to do a quick write-up before I go out to sink a few ales (to celebrate my findings ).
Before we did anything with the IMS bearing here's the sate of play:
Gearbox and clutch removed ready access.
RMS is fine and in good shape.
IMS cover-plate seal had not been fitted correctly by OPC (back in 2005) thus scuffing one side of the seal allowing oil to get out and cause a (very minor) weep
Gearbox to engine bolts had been fitted incorrectly by OPC and a long one in a short hole had snapped part of the engine casting off and stripped the bolt.
My mechanic called me an hour ago to tell me we ready ready for the unveiling of the IMS bearing (engine locked in TDC, both tensioners at that end of the shaft slackened off, oil drained).
Once we removed the seal, no grease apparent, just black oil came seeping out. Bearing was original dual row bearing (of which he says they're the same as they use in some tractor applications and can easily acquire them) and once the seal was removed, inspected to find it it in immaculate condition. Absolutely zero play in it and unable to turn the ball bearing cage without the internal one spinning twice as fast. :thumbs:
With the outer seal now pinged off (so lubricated off nice clean engine oil) and the bearing in immaculate condition, it's all getting popped back together with the peace of mind if hopefully won't go pop in the future.
I must say - it's amazing how small this thing is. No wonder they couldn't handle it.
As usual a few snaps to oggle at :grin:
The long bolt shredded at the end.
The broken casting,
The bearing as left the factory.
The unveiling.
Dirty black stuff.
Car should be back together later tonight and ready to pick up in the morning with new clutch fitted and properly lubricated IMS bearing with no snake oil fomula required!!!
Merry Christmas!! :thumbs:
Upside to this is we have access to the legendary IMS bearing. So with all the knowledge and learning I've gained from this wonderful website, I decided we'd have a poke around and check things out. Just got back from the garage now so perfect timing to do a quick write-up before I go out to sink a few ales (to celebrate my findings ).
Before we did anything with the IMS bearing here's the sate of play:
Gearbox and clutch removed ready access.
RMS is fine and in good shape.
IMS cover-plate seal had not been fitted correctly by OPC (back in 2005) thus scuffing one side of the seal allowing oil to get out and cause a (very minor) weep
Gearbox to engine bolts had been fitted incorrectly by OPC and a long one in a short hole had snapped part of the engine casting off and stripped the bolt.
My mechanic called me an hour ago to tell me we ready ready for the unveiling of the IMS bearing (engine locked in TDC, both tensioners at that end of the shaft slackened off, oil drained).
Once we removed the seal, no grease apparent, just black oil came seeping out. Bearing was original dual row bearing (of which he says they're the same as they use in some tractor applications and can easily acquire them) and once the seal was removed, inspected to find it it in immaculate condition. Absolutely zero play in it and unable to turn the ball bearing cage without the internal one spinning twice as fast. :thumbs:
With the outer seal now pinged off (so lubricated off nice clean engine oil) and the bearing in immaculate condition, it's all getting popped back together with the peace of mind if hopefully won't go pop in the future.
I must say - it's amazing how small this thing is. No wonder they couldn't handle it.
As usual a few snaps to oggle at :grin:
The long bolt shredded at the end.
The broken casting,
The bearing as left the factory.
The unveiling.
Dirty black stuff.
Car should be back together later tonight and ready to pick up in the morning with new clutch fitted and properly lubricated IMS bearing with no snake oil fomula required!!!
Merry Christmas!! :thumbs: