Bellhousing dust shield/cover?

[dracko]

Hey guys my apologies if this question is redundant but I’m working on making a dust cover for the bellhousing of my MY6/NP440 trans and wondering just how sealed up these things need to be? I know the less crap in there the better but are these things sealed up tight from the factory or is a small gap at the top alright? Not sure i’ll be able to cut it perfect to fit snug to the block and around the crank seal area. Maybe leave a gap then bead of silicone?

[The Rocknrod]

Some people don't even have them on they're daily drivers so this is way overkill.
Here's some pics - https://www.google.com/search?sa=G&d...ih=758#imgrc=_

[dracko]

Oh really? Figured the clutch/flywheel should be kept decently clean but I guess I won’t worry about making it totally sealed. Right on.

[The Rocknrod]

Originally Posted by dracko

Oh really? Figured the clutch/flywheel should be kept decently clean but I guess I won’t worry about making it totally sealed. Right on.

Did you look at the many pictures?
Your just trying to keep major road debris out of there, your on the right track with what you have. As long as nothing makes contact with rotating parts. I'd continue.

[dracko]

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

Did you look at the many pictures?
Your just trying to keep major road debris out of there, your on the right track with what you have. As long as nothing makes contact with rotating parts. I'd continue.

Yeah I actually did scroll through your link to googled photos and honestly just saw either stock covers (which look to be pretty sealed units) or covers completely removed for inspection or the purpose of the picture...

I appreciate the info though, I won’t worry about it being completely sealed off.

[geezer#99]

Put a drain hole or notch at the lowest point.
You need a place to drain out any liquids.

[dracko]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Put a drain hole or notch at the lowest point.
You need a place to drain out any liquids.

Good idea, will do.

[burnin oil]

I always pull them off and leave them off at the first starter or clutch replacement. I am a believer in it helps to keep it cool in there and let the trash drain out. Never a problem, even with the truck barried to the headlights in mud. I apply this across the board on daily drivers, work trucks, and even the ones that I use for towing, but thats just me.

[dracko]

Well right on,I’m glad to know the cover I made is overkill. Not airtight by any means but will keep large chunks of rock and ice out. Thanks

Originally Posted by burnin oil

I always pull them off and leave them off at the first starter or clutch replacement. I am a believer in it helps to keep it cool in there and let the trash drain out. Never a problem, even with the truck barried to the headlights in mud. I apply this across the board on daily drivers, work trucks, and even the ones that I use for towing, but thats just me.

[kipps]

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

...Your just trying to keep major road debris out of there...

Originally Posted by burnin oil

...Never a problem, even with the truck buried to the headlights in mud...

On an '87 350 sm465 I had, the missing clutch cover made the bellhousing a perfect snow scoop. While breaking through snow drifts, I froze the clutch in place somehow. I had to wait for a warm day before I could disengage the clutch again. I don't know what happened exactly, but I'm installing a cover of some sort on my new rig, simply to prevent a repeat of that.

[dracko]

Originally Posted by kipps

On an '87 350 sm465 I had, the missing clutch cover made the bellhousing a perfect snow scoop. While breaking through snow drifts, I froze the clutch in place somehow. I had to wait for a warm day before I could disengage the clutch again. I don't know what happened exactly, but I'm installing a cover of some sort on my new rig, simply to prevent a repeat of that.

Damn that’s a pain, definitely a valid concern up here in Canada also.!

[The Rocknrod]

That's why they make u-hauls.