clutch dowel pins
 

I just got my flywheel back from the machine shop. Had it resurfaced and neutral balanced. However, I noticed when I took it to them that one of the dowel pins for the clutch was broken. Mentioned it to the machinist, he didnt have one to replace. So now I need a dowel pin. I have two on the flywheel. Any ideas on where to get one? Ford dealer I suppose. Anyone have a part number or recommendations.

Re: clutch dowel pins
 

Yep, go to the dealer and get new set. They're only a few bucks. Do not put on the clutch without all three.

Re: clutch dowel pins
 

Some after market flywheels dont even have dowel pins so why are the stock ones so important? My billet flywheel doesnt have them or a place for them so I just bought high grade bolts and used some locktite.

Re: clutch dowel pins
 

Dowel pins center the pressure plate to the flywheel. Without them you will pick up a vibration.

Ford dealer 3 bucks.

* Put in freezer overnight then install* If its not wanting to go in.

Re: clutch dowel pins
 

I also just realized that centerforce dual friction clutch doesnt come with pilot bearing or "clutch alignement" tool. What a bunch of crock. Any suggestions on getting one, the alignment tool? I can get a pilot bearing.

Re: clutch dowel pins
 

Auto Zone for tool. They are cheapo plastic and only a few bucks. Usually hanging on a rack/help isle/etc.

Re: clutch dowel pins
 

Are you absolutely positive on that? Are you sure that the flywheel maker didn't want you to transfer the hole locations and re-locate the dowels? I've never seen a flywheel without dowels. The clearance hole on a 1/4" hole is .040" over-sized. If you take into maximum material conditions and locational tolerances, this means that your clutch could be more than 0.062" off center! Take that 13-lb pressure plate at 5000RPM through a .062" orbit and let me know how much that disturbs your engine balance. Not to mention that the dowels transmit the shear force which is how the clutch transmits the engine power.

I've been wrong once or twice before, but I'd bet $1.50 that there's provisions for dowels and the vendor instructions told you to use them.

Re: clutch dowel pins
 

You guys got me to thinking, so I just checked my billet SFI flywheel. Bigger-an-life there's dowels in it. I can't imagine a flywheel manufacturer NOT putting them in. Better double check that puppy!

Re: clutch dowel pins
 

All of the stock-type replacement stuff that I have seen has had dowels. I have a couple completely different prototype units that dont use dowels, however they are designed to be used with a shoulder'd bolt. If someone is running a stock type setup without dowels, they are just plain lucky.

Andy

Re: clutch dowel pins
 

I would rather be lucky than good any day. :D

I did use bolts that had a fat taper just below the head so they kind of self centerd the clutch.

Re: clutch dowel pins
 

Did you order the clutch and the disc? mine came with a tool. unfortunately the disc came as the 26 spline or whatever it is for the Tremec's, but they took it back for a swap for free.

Re: clutch dowel pins
 

RAM Flywheels have them. or mine did at least.