input shaft seal and washer thing

[Jim in Wis.]

We are getting closer to assembling the motor and gearbox on the 65 4 speed. I have a new seal for the input shaft, and was wondering what is the purpose of that split washer (looks like a lockwasher but isn't) that goes in front (behind, actually) of the seal. The inner diameter is larger than the shaft size, and it wouldn't make a good bearing anyway, being just steel. Maybe to prevent "whipping" of that long shaft? Why is is split?
Just wondering I guess - thanks.
Jim S.

[Jerry Whitt]

In Clarks catalog, page 130, part #41 1/2 is identified as a snap ring. The throw out bearing rides on a tube that looks like a pipe. The input shaft has a slot in which the snap ring fits. When the input shaft is slid into the tube, you must compress the snap ring a little to push shaft all the way in. When it is in properly, the snap ring expands a little into a slight slot, and thereby locks the shaft into place.

[joelsplace]

Sorry Jerry but that is incorrect. The split ring mainly protects the seal during assembly.
It certainly does not retain the shaft in any way.
It is split because it has to collapse a little to install it.
There is no slot.
The shaft is free to slide in and out without doing anything with the split washer.
Jim, be sure you have the correct size seal. The 60-63 ones used a smaller shaft and things have often been swapped around over 50 + years.

[66vairguy]

Yes the split ring is there to protect the seal from the shaft during assembly. It does NOT go on the shaft.

Those that fail to install it usually end up with a leaking seal and wonder why the new seal failed.

Maybe Jerry is thinking of the PG setup.

[Jim in Wis.]

Thanks, that makes sense. It would support the shaft until it's into the pilot bearing. I guess those Chevy engineers were smarter than I thought - (smarter than me, anyhow).
I did make sure the seal fits the shaft correctly.
Jim S.

[Jerry Whitt]

Got my books out, refreshed the brain, now stand corrected!


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