I was in the middle of swapping engines, and noticed when I pulled the clutch off my 383, the brass pilot bushing literally fell out...it was worn down enough to slide easily into the back of the crank. Crank doesnt appear damaged.
Engine has not even 5000 miles. Pulled it to fix a detonation sensitivity issue. Made no abnormal noise, other than the normal rattle, clutch out in N at idle (T56).
Anyone ever see this? Im assuming this bushing was under spec in its OD. Never seen this happen, especially with so few miles. It fit tight when installed and the input shaft was lubed when installed (but not the bushing)
Im confused...?

Anyone have a spec on the ID on the pilot bearing hole in the back of a 1 pc crank to check it for wear? Its cast steel.

 

Did you index your bellhousing to the block?
Could also be tolerance stack between the crank and pilot bushing. (crank hole to big and bushing to small)

 

Yup, happens alot actually.

Nothing wrong with the crank.

Usually the result of not enough grease (or the wrong kind), or damaging it during installation such that it seizes to the pilot on the clutch gear.

No biggie.

This time, pack the space behind it with some kind of good-quality NON-FIBER grease; white lithium, moly, or synthetic. Just, don't get it SO full that when you push the trans in, it "hydraulics" the bushing partway back out.

 

That is odd. There was grease behind it. Maybe some got between the bushing and crank...? It wasnt overfilled, but who knows. Ill try to lube it up a little better this go around.