Zscooter

Hello all,
I'm new to this board, and seeking wisdom
I have a 1975 280 z coupe, engine got a rod knock. Pulled it out and tried to replace with a 1976 2+2 automatic engine. Problem is I cannot mount the flywheel off the 75 engine onto the flange with the pilot bearing inside, attached to the crankshaft. It seems to be bigger around on the automatic engine. I pulled the pilot bearing but the rest of it does not want to come out of the old engine. Are these removable to replace the one meant for automatic transmission on the 76 2+2 engine? Is there any work around that you know of? Is it even possible to get it off with a puller without damaging the crank shaft?
Thank You

theramz

I think the crank has a removable steel spacer with a step to fit the starter ring for the auto. Your flywheel will fit in it's place. The crank shouldn't have a bronze bushing in it. You will need to put one in. I will check my spare parts tonight to let you know if I'm right. One thing I' am sure of is there is only one crank end design.

Zscooter

That step you are referring to increases the circumference around the outside edge roughly 4 mm all the way around, and has a ring around the pilot hole that mates with the Automatic transmission flywheel, how does one remove that? If I could get that outside piece off, which appears to be sandwiched to the part that the pilot bearing slips into, then it would accept the clutch flywheel.

theramz

I checked on the turbo engine that had an a/t and it does have a spacer. The flywheel bolts go through it and the starter ring. It should come off with a little help. Spray some penetrating oil and let it soak. Tap on it gently and it should come off. Maybe try some heat. A damper type puller should get it for sure.

Zscooter

Thank you, will give it a try, I wonder if the inside ring in the middle is holding it in? It's rusty and the other metal past the ring is not. At least the engine is out of the car...

Zscooter

That is what it needed, sprayed penetrating oil and started knocking it with a hammer. When it would not budge I was able to pry it off using the outside step and it fell right off!
Thanks to you, theramz!
Zscooter