Aligning clutch release fork with TOB when reconnecting engine and trans?

[Hotwatermusic]

I am trying to re-attach my transmission to my engine and can't for the life of me get the clutch release fork to sit inside the slot of the throw-out bearing. Even with the transmission pressed all the way up against the engine, the fork rests outside the bearing, with the top prong sitting too low to apparently to get into the groove of the bearing. At least that's what I can see through the bell housing hole.

So what's the trick when re-attaching the engine to the transmission to get the fork into the throw-out bearing? Bear in mind I am doing this by myself and don't have an extra set of hands, so hopefully the trick is something I can do alone. Thanks!

[Peter Zimmermann]

If you're working on the floor, have your jack do the work of holding the trans. Engage the engine studs, and as you push the trans, watch through the hole in the bell housing, I use a mini-mag light, and as it reaches the point when it'll engage the bearing, move the fork with a long, skinny screwdriver.

[Dr J]

If you don't put the starter in, you can peek through there and watch it and ajust as you mate the engine to the tranny.

[DRACO A5OG]

HWM,

I did this recently myself twice:

I assume you have both engine and trans out.

It is easier if the starter is removed for this connection.

Right before you mate the two, insure the fork is aligned so when it mates, the fork will sit right in he T/O bearing channel. use the hole for the starter to guide it on as you mate the two. If you miss it, try again.

What I did was to place the trans on a cinder block and piece of wood to slide on. I used my motorcycle jack to bring the engine to the trans, then about 4 inches before mating, I check the fork to visualize where it would plop into the T/O bearing channel.

I placed some grease in the channel and the prongs to insure a smooth operation. But not too much so it will not splatter the inside of the bell housing.

Once done correctly, you can play with the shaft of the fork to insure it is inside the channel, You can actually see it too.

Use your finger to guide it in there is plenty of room for that. Note I did this all by my lonesome.

Hope this helps brother.

Jim