Rather than pollute the flywheel DIY, here are other questions I have just encountered:

So everything has come off reasonably well, thanks to all the info here on the forum as well as some prayer.

Question #1:

While attempting to put back the 54mm Bolt i noticed the following:


Would everyone agree that this 54mm Nut needs replacing?

Question #2)

The service manual suggests grease is necessary for some components such as the throw out bearing. Would the following be fine? Also in the pix is the "Blue Silicon Sealant," (nicely suggested by Charles Hill) that i have found locally to use instead of the Loctite brand.



Question #3)
I also noticed that the front oil seal does not come off by itself & it comes off with the pilot bearing which would need the (expensive) pilot bearing removal tool. Does the rear oil seal on the transmission unit simply pry off with a flat head screw driver?

Thanks again everyone!!
Edgardo

 

Well here are my answers

1) Decided to just pick up a lock-nut from a RX-7, they are the same (all the way back to R100 according to local shop Atkins)
2) Sealant & Grease appear to work fine.

3) I still haven't figured out how to remove the rear oil seal.

New Question:
Is there a trick to wiggle the transmission back onto the engine? I have a transmission jack and am about .5 to 1 inch from 'closure' but the transmission just doesn't mate up flush. Push harder?

Thanks!
Edgardo

 

Your input shaft is probably not engaging the pilot bearing properly. Did you align the clutch disc with the tool very carefully?? If it is even a bit crooked it won't mate.

 

You also want to use good grease on the pilot bearing....that assembly lube is way too thin to stay put...if you get it on the clutch disc it is screwed....

 

Thanks! No that is the one tool i did not pick up & its only like $3.00 from MazdaTrix. I am going to look for a 'clutch alignment tool' locally now. NAPA, Shucks, Action Auto are all that comes to mind though.

Goodbye!
Edgardo

 

Without it you will be hit and miss to get it on there. Especially trying to align it under the car. It is easier with the engine out of the car to try it by hand.

You should be able to borrow one from a clutch kit at autozone...or if you know any mechanics..they should have a few lying around.

I just did a GTR without one....cause I didn't have the correct tool, and they aren't local.

Needless to say it was a lot more difficult than necessary

 

Thanks again Dannobre! Called 2 local autozones who mention they don't carry any RX-8 or 7 clutch alignment kits. Are they generic/universal?

 

Should be the same as 2nd Gen RX-7 I think.....Did they have a clutch for an RX-8?? It will have one in it Worst case...buy the clutch...use the tool and take it back

You didn't hear me say that

 

To put some closeure on this thread, I was able to get a "clutch alignmnet kit" with universal adapters from Shucks for $20.00 . After less than 5 minutes from using this tool, the tranny mated up nice & flush.

Edgardo