Is a gasket needed between transmission and bell housing?

[Paul Bjarnason]

I have just installed the entire drive train in my '29 Tudor, including my new Mitchell transmission. Then, unfortunately, I just noticed that Mitchell sent me a gasket which is supposed to go between the transmission and the bell housing. I didn't see anything about a gasket in that spot, in my Les Andrews manual and in all the years of working on other kinds of cars I do not recall ever having put a gasket between the transmission and the bell housing. Does anyone think there could be a bad result (like leakage) if I don't go back and install that gasket? If I had to do that, probably the easiest thing would be to pull the motor. I don't think a gasket is necessary, but I would like other opinions. Thanks.

[Charlie Stephens]

It is my understanding from reading that there will be an oil leak at the back of the cam without the gasket. I have never tried it to find out. Did you also leave out the U shaped shims on the top two bolts of the flywheel housing?

Charlie Stephens

EDIT. Please ignore answer. I read too fast and thought you were asking about between the flywheel housing and block.

[redmodelt]

deleated

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

He said between the bell housing and transmission. Not engine and fly housing.
Call Mitchell, since they sent the gasket.

[1955cj5]

Show a picture....be clear, do you mean engine and flywheel housing or between clutch housing and transmission...???

The picture shows the back of the engine where the flywheel housing attaches..a gasket is needed here.

[Kentmac]

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What is the purpose of the two u shaped shims?

[Bob C]

Originally Posted by Kentmac

What is the purpose of the two u shaped shims?

To make up for the thickness of the gasket between the engine and flywheel housing.


Bob

[Bob C]

Looks like there is a gasket between the trans and bell housing, A-7620.


Bob

[Paul Bjarnason]

OK, I will call Mitchell. Thanks.

[Paul Bjarnason]

Yes, it's the gasket on the far right. I was unable to upload a picture of my gasket, but the one on the right is it. I'm talking about Bob C's picture of several gaskets.

[whirnot]

Personally I don't think I would be too concerned. When you talk to Steve Mitchell, he is going to recommend you cut off the top of the gasket, that contacts the shift tower anyway. He likes the shift tower as far forward as possible.

[ryanheacox]

I wouldn’t worry too much either. All that gasket is going to do is try to stop oil leaks from the cluster shaft. You may get a drip or two without the gasket but then most A’s have a few drips here and there.

All of that is for the stock transmission, I’m not sure if this applies to a Mitchell transmission.

[Paul Bjarnason]

Thanks to all for your replies. I will cut off the top of the gasket for when I install the shift tower. Best. Bj

[whirnot]

Originally Posted by Paul Bjarnason

Thanks to all for your replies. I will cut off the top of the gasket for when I install the shift tower. Best. Bj

Don't put the top piece in next to the shift tower. As I mentioned, Mitchell recommends you install the gasket, but remove the piece by the shift tower. That is to get the shift tower more forward.

[jhowes]

As I read this I assume that you are cutting off the trop of a gasket to position the shift tower more forward. How can the thickness of a gasket be enough to even notice in a forward movement of the shift tower? Jack

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by jhowes

As I read this I assume that you are cutting off the trop of a gasket to position the shift tower more forward. How can the thickness of a gasket be enough to even notice in a forward movement of the shift tower? Jack

I was wondering the same thing, and never heard of doing this before.