S1 3.8 Bellhousing

[neil4444]

I'm currently dissassembling my 3.8 OTS in preparation for restoration. On removing the engine & gearbox I have found that the bellhousing has been butchered in order to gain access to the starter motor gear !!! I therefore need to replace the bellhousing but can anyone tell me if the S1 & S2 4.2 bellhousing is the same as the S1 3.8 ?

Many thanks,

Neil

[kingzetts]

Neil,
I believe they are different, unfortunately. You do see 3.8 bellhousings on ebay occasionally - in fact there's one on ethere now (although it is described as a series 2 3.8 bellhousing which is impossible, but it looks at first sight like a 3.8 unit.

Have you considered having the bellhousing repaired - if you can find a man who can weld aluminium it should be possible, I had mine repaired recently (albeit it was having a crack welded up rather than something more major).

Cheers
John

[Car-Nut]

Neil,

I can't add much here except to say if that's listed wrong on eBay that could be to your advantage

[neil4444]

Thanks guys,

I had spotted that one but there's an equally suspect looking bullet hole in that one too !

Regards,

Neil

[steve3.8]

I'm currently dissassembling my 3.8 OTS in preparation for restoration. On removing the engine & gearbox I have found that the bellhousing has been butchered in order to gain access to the starter motor gear !!! I therefore need to replace the bellhousing but can anyone tell me if the S1 & S2 4.2 bellhousing is the same as the S1 3.8 ?

Many thanks,

Neil

Hi neil,

they are different,a 4.2 bellhousing matches the 4.2 flywheel+starter only.Think of the bellhousing, flywheel and starter motor as a matched set - 3.4 & 3.8 are the same, but 4.2 components are different and can't be interchanged, unless you're changing all of them together. Theres nothing to stop you from fitting 3.8 equipment on a 4.2 engine, so long as you're not 'mixing' these parts.Try mk2 saloon or other 3.4/3.8 models when looking for a spare bellhousing.Also are you fitting the later 9 1/2" diaphram clutch? if so the 3.8 flywheel needs drlling for attatchment and a small raised area inside the 3.8 bellhousing near the clutch m/cylinder will need grinding down to clear the slightly taller clutch cover,

regards Steve

[Dave K]

I'm currently dissassembling my 3.8 OTS in preparation for restoration. On removing the engine & gearbox I have found that the bellhousing has been butchered in order to gain access to the starter motor gear !!! I therefore need to replace the bellhousing but can anyone tell me if the S1 & S2 4.2 bellhousing is the same as the S1 3.8 ?

Many thanks,

Neil

Hi neil,

they are different,a 4.2 bellhousing matches the 4.2 flywheel+starter only.Think of the bellhousing, flywheel and starter motor as a matched set - 3.4 & 3.8 are the same, but 4.2 components are different and can't be interchanged, unless you're changing all of them together. Theres nothing to stop you from fitting 3.8 equipment on a 4.2 engine, so long as you're not 'mixing' these parts.Try mk2 saloon or other 3.4/3.8 models when looking for a spare bellhousing.Also are you fitting the later 9 1/2" diaphram clutch? if so the 3.8 flywheel needs drlling for attatchment and a small raised area inside the 3.8 bellhousing near the clutch m/cylinder will need grinding down to clear the slightly taller clutch cover,

regards Steve

I fitted the later diaphragm clutch to my 3.8 and didn't have to grind anything it all went together without a problem.

Dave