[DeTomaso] McLeod Pressure Plate - Old and New / Advice Removing Pilot Bushing

[John McKee]

Mike,

I believe hammering the pilot busing puts pressure on the thrust bearing on
the 3rd main. I was given the advice to give the front end of the crank one
whack after I was done driving the pilot bushing to help reverse any forward
movement.

Good luck,
John

-----Original Message-----
From: DeTomaso [mailto:detomaso-bounces at server.detomasolist.com] On Behalf
Of Mike & Elizabeth
Sent: Sunday, July 23, 2023 5:43 PM
To: DeTomaso at server.detomasolist.com
Subject: [DeTomaso] McLeod Pressure Plate - Old and New / Advice Removing
Pilot Bushing

Following up on the previous thread about the McLeod pressure plate.
Attached is a pic of the old one I took off the engine (orange, on the
right) and the new one that just arrived from Dennis Quella.  Note the
differences in both the bolt patterns and the design of the diaphragm
fingers.  It will be interesting to see if it feels any different than the
previous one did when it was new.

Side note and request for ideas:  As you can see next to the new pressure
plate I've ordered a new pilot bushing.  The one I'll be pulling out I
installed when I put the previous McLeod clutch in the car, and it is a VERY
tight fit.  I don't recall using any anti-seize when I installed it (mia
culpa) but I remember it requiring the use of a large socket and hammer to
whack it into place.  I've started putting some penetrating oil around it to
help the extraction process, and will rent or buy a pilot bearing puller,
but I know it's going to be a real pain to get out.  Any other suggestions
to ease this process?

Once out, I'm wondering if I should hone the opening slightly to provide for
an easier fit of the new one.  I can't imagine that hammering on the end of
the crank like that does it any good.  I'll also try one thing I've been
suggested which was to put the new bearing in the freezer before installing
it.

Your thoughts and input are encouraged.

Thanks, Mike Thomas
VERY soon to be yellow 6328

-----Original Message-----
From: Mike & Elizabeth <mbefthomas2 at gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, July 23, 2023 12:08 PM
To: 'Mike Drew' <mikeldrew at aol.com>; 'Doug Braun' <doug351c at gmail.com>
Subject: McLeod Pressure Plate 

Just received the new McLeod pressure plate from Quella.  Much different
than the one I took out in color and configuration.  I've sent an email to
Adam and Dennis asking, but it looks like my old one may have been a
Centerforce.  I do recall their color being orange rather than the
distinctive McLeod red.

Mike Thomas

-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Thomas <panteramike74 at icloud.com>
Sent: Sunday, July 23, 2023 11:59 AM
To: Mike & Elizabeth Thomas <mbefthomas2 at gmail.com>
Subject: