Going through clutches/trans bolts falling out

[codym]

I have been having a few issues with my dsm.

I did a 6bolt swap on my 94 eclipse and things seem to slowly be going wrong now one by one. I first noticed the issue when I started hearing a grinding like noise when I go to start the car, and then eventually having the starter unable to strike the flywheel - thus rendereing my car unstartable.

This has happened 3 times now with 3 different clutches and 2 different flywheels over the course of about 8 months.

Each time I go to drop the transmission I find the 2 trans-engine bolts on the starter side of the transmission to be missing.

Once is maybe bad luck, the second time I was sure to torque all bolts to spec as stated in the FSM. A third time - Im not doing something I should be and one of the bolts is now broke. Yipee.

The clutches are being trashed, Im assuming due to the transmission moving around differently than the engine.


Now let me state that I do a daily inspection of my car before driving it, unless im in a hurry and every Saturday I ensure all my bolts in the engine are tight, it has no flappy belts and no fluids are leaking.

If you guys come chime in on this issue of mine I would greatly appreciate it.

My only theory is the promethane motor mounts I have in, could these be causing my problems ?

 

[codym]

Today I got the transmission pulled, the clutch is yet again toast.

Before proceeding with doing the same procedure for the 4th time, I'd like to see if I could get some input on this issue.

I have recovered the bolt that broke off. Again the problem I am having is the 2 trans-engine bolts on the intake side are coming loose, this time the upper one snapped.

 

[97_4g63t]

What grade of bolts are you using? The bolt isn't too long and bottoming out giving you a false torque is it?

 

[1992 Eagle Talon TSi]

When you are saying its trashed, is clutch surface itself trashed or the springs? Have any pictures of the flywheel and clutch disc? Only thing I can think of besides slipping the clutch to much is it's not adjusted properly and it's dragging. Or something is severely worn in the pivot ball and clutch fork.

Or your bolts aren't correct like 97_4g63t said.

 

[codym]

Grade 10 is what I'm putting in this time but previously I was just using OEM replacements, and no I pulled the exact length of each bolt from the service manual to ensure I get the correct length.

92-the springs and the rivots are. Last go around I adjusted the clutch step by step from the Jacks Transmission video, and it felt better than it ever had. As far as I know the release fork has never been replaced by the previous owners. I read a lot about these being worn out but I honestly never thought twice about replacing it.

Im still rockin' the n/t tranny so I'm not dropping a whole lot into my clutch/fly combo because I dont drive it a way that would be going through clutches like it is.

Maybe my car wants me to beat the crap out of it

 

[motomattx]

Are you by any chance missing your dowel pins on the engine block?

 

[92AWDHX40]

Second the Dowell pins big problem if those are missing.

 

[Steve93Talon]

Do you have the correct plate between the block and trans?

 

[Seamus]

Based off you description I would defiantly say dowel pins. The misalignment if the starter will cause all kinds of noises and even poor contact like you are having. The vibrationsand misalignment will ruin clutches quickly or even make disks fall apart. fall apart. Do you have a lot of friction material dust in your housing? This will also wear the shit out of you input shaft and damage your front seal so get it fixed ASAP.

 

[needbooost]

I have all 4 prothane mounts and I always have something that needs to be tightened. Do you ever brake boost? If your using thread lock and its not working try just a little jb weld just a drop.

 

[codym]

Guys I just saw another thread mentioning dowel pins, I asked a wiseman about his reply and he said the dowel pins are crucial in keeping the trans aligned properly.

When I got my motor it did not have dowel pins, and I never knew they were supposed to be there.

This is very likely causing my issue, I will look around to see if I can find some dowel pins in town.

Seamus- There is a ton of friction material in the housing, I clean it out each time.

Needboost- No I do not brake boost, I have a 5-speed and I drive it like an old granny.

Steve- yes I have the correct plate, starting is normal for the first few weeks, after that it progessively gets worse and will have random times where it just wont start.


Do these dowel pins go in the transmission or engine side, also how do I go about replacing them? Thanks guys

 

[motomattx]

They go into the block, you just tap on them to seat then in the block.

 

[craig4g63]

They go into the block, you just tap on them to seat then in the block.

Dowel pins and make Damn sure you have the 10mm bolt that bolts from the engine side into the trans.

 

[twicks69]

Use the proper OEM parts.

These are the following part numbers for the bellhousing attachment bolts (and rear bolt):
MF140266 x 1
MD740892 x 1
MF140471 x 1
MD706012 x 1

Dowels - MD020260 x 2
Starter alignment plate - MD030141 x 1