Clam shell help

Ricosan

Ricosan

Senior Member
Hey Guys,
After I got my wagon back from the repair shop a few months ago, I found that grease was gushing out of the back of the transmission at the clamshell (photo). I ordered a kit that uses a rubber tube instead of cork to fill the groove at the back of the cs.
I removed the cs and found no seal had been installed when the transmission work was completed.
I was able to get the rubber seal into the groove (not easy) and bolted it back together.
When I started it and put it in gear (jack stands) itmade a clicking noise and when I drove it on the road, it wanted to pop out of third gear.
I took it back apart this morning, expecting to find the seal out of the groove and in the wrong place. Here is what I found. I can’t see the cause of the problem.
Anyone else encountered this problem? Should I look for a slightly smaller diameter tube?
Richard
 

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The clicking/popping out of gear: The seal can't cause that...but have a look at the bolt and washer that holds the center of the u-joint to the transmission output shaft. If that comes loose it'll do what you describe. Hard to see, but needs a look.
Now the gap in the rubber seal (if it's leaking...maybe not!) I'd try to get a seal just a bit longer so there's no gap. Otherwise, looks good.



Terry
 
I could be wrong but I think the seal goes in the outer two piece part. From your pic it looks like you have it in the inner piece.
 
marko39 said:
I could be wrong but I think the seal goes in the outer two piece part. From your pic it looks like you have it in the inner piece.
Click to expand...

Right. It's been a while since I did this, but you are correct. Seal goes in the groove of the two half pieces that bolt together.

Hard to tell from the picture, but is the two piece outer part of the clamshell even on there? Doesn't look like it.

As to coming out of gear, I would also check to ensure the u-joint is bolt on tight.
 
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Maybe this photos of 40 Ford will help. Seal is installed in the outer shell groove. It's the neoprene seal you have. However, there should be no gap where the two ends meet. Install the seal at the top of the outer clam shell so that the two ends meet end to end. Then add a dab of silicone seal at the joint. Do not overtighten the clam shell bolts. Just tighten snugly so that the two clamshell halves meet. I don't recall exactly but, I think there is a little round strand that fits inside the seal where the ends meet to keep it aligned.
 

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19Fordy said:
Maybe this photos will help. Seal is installed in the outer shell groove. It's the neoprene seal you have. However, there should be no gap where the two ends meet. Install the seal at the top of the outer clam shell so that the two ends meet end to end. Then add a dab of silicone seal at the joint. Do not overtighten the clam shell bolts. Just tighten snugly so that the two clamshell halfs meet
Click to expand...
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Hey Guys,
Thanks for the help.

I’m confused. Please excuse my ignorance as I’m new to these early Fords.
My clamshell is a one piece that won’t come off unless you remove the torque tube. I’ve seen the 2 piece clams shells but I thought that you had either one or the other. Are you saying that I also need the 2 piece part to cover the clam shell I have now and I have the seal in the wrong place?
My clam shell cover has a groove inside the back that the rubber tube is supposed to fit into (I think). I pushed the tube into the groove as best I could. It didn’t “snap” into the groove, but it looks like it’s in pretty good all the way around. It didn’t leak during the test drive.
BTW, I took the turtle off and started it and put it in gear. I had the same clicking sounds.
I’ll check the U joint.
Richard
 

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Clam shells are made up of two different pieces. The solid, stamped steel one piece part that you show in your pictures. That goes on first and the "mouth" of the torque tube is going to mate to this part.

The second piece is the two piece "outer" clamshell shown in Jim's (19Fordy's). These two pieces (some very early '32 outer shells were one piece) bolt together and are also mounted to the trans mount. This part goes over the mouth of the torque tube and bolts to the back/ of the trans mount or crossmember. This piece effectively clamps the torque tube and transmission together in a flexible, but solid unit.
 
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Now I’m really confused.
Yep, that’s what mine looks like. Interesting too at VanPelts, it shows no clam shell seal other than the gaskets. Also I can’t find any clam shell seals listed at any of our favorite old ford parts stores.
19Fordy, was your clamshell two parts? (Stamped inner clam shell and forged outer shell)
Richard
 
Clamshell gasket sets come with two felt pieces that go in that grove. The tubing should work fine. 32-4 Fords had a one piece outer cover. I cannot see it but there is a one piece bell shaped part that goes between your cover and the transmission. That is what the tt pushes against. You do have that in there?
 
Ricosan said:
Now I’m really confused.
Yep, that’s what mine looks like. Interesting too at VanPelts, it shows no clam shell seal other than the gaskets. Also I can’t find any clam shell seals listed at any of our favorite old ford parts stores.
19Fordy, was your clamshell two parts? (Stamped inner clam shell and forged outer shell)
Richard
Click to expand...

Yes, my 1940 clamshell has two parts. See photos here;
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=218514

This may be of some help.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/early-ford-driveshaft-tube-question-1940s.592824/
 
Come on guys! All stock '32-'34 torque tubes have a one-piece cap. It is more difficult to work with, but it can be done.

If there is a gap in the seal such as you have according to the photos, that's tantamount to having no seal. Additionally, your seal looks anemic. Get a dense felt seal from third gen automotive and make sure there is no gap.

Your transmission's noises and it's popping out of second gear have nothing to do with the seal, but rather incomplete or indifferent work at the transmission shop that you used.
 
Jim TN, yes I have the bell shaped part at the back of the transmission. My one piece clam shell with the tube in the groove pushes against the bell shape thing (mouth?) and forms a seal.
It looks to me like you use only one cover. Either a two piece clamshell that bolts together with a seal in the inside rear groove or a one piece clamshell with a seal that sits in the inside rear groove. Not both pieces. Am I wrong here?
My problem is that I am getting a clicking noise when I tighten the the cs against the back of the transmission. Am I tightening the castle nuts too tight? The seal appears to be working based on my short drive. No leaks.
Richard
 
Thanks David,
I’ve ordered a felt seal from 3rd gen.
Still wish someone could tell me why the rubber seal causes some kind of binding.
Richard
 
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