We've tried to put an '87 5-speed tranny off a 2.3 onto a '90 2.6 (used to be auto). We're picking the thing up manually. We can get the tranny through the clutch (can't turn the output shaft), and lined up with the engine.

The problem is that we can't get the bellhousing to mate to the engine. We'll push on the tranny and it'll move towards the engine, then we hear a "clank" and the tranny won't move forward any more. There's a gap of about 1/2 or 3/4 of an inch that just won't close.

The question: Does this sound like a "normal" experience? Our guess is that we're hitting the pilot bearing incorrectly. The other possibility is the sleeve around the tranny input shaft is hitting the clutch disc. Anyone have any tips to get over this hump?

Have you compared crankshafts?

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Chris Muc

'87 300E 430,000 km

"You can fight without ever winning
But never ever win without a fight"

Neil Peart

Actually, I didn't compare the crankshafts b/c the input shaft of the tranny won't extend into the engine block beyond the flywheel. I could do a quick check on that. Any other tips folks?

OK, so the problem was the pilot bearing in the flyhweel preventing the splines of the input shaft from inserting deep enough into the rear of the crank. It was removed, 2 pilot bearings (different p/n's) were installed into the rear of the crank. We should have enough clearance to install the tranny now.

The current problem is that I need a new Crank Position Sensor. Does anyone have p/n info. for one of these for a later (1992 or so?), 6 cyl, manual 190e 2.6?

Bump... Did the 2.3 bellhousing bolt up to the 2.6?

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-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

Yup, it did bolt up. The original problem was caused by using the wrong pilot bearing. The 2nd problem was the flywheel timing "flanges" (I don't know what they're officially called) crushing the Crank Position Sensor. We had to get a spacer between the block and the Crank Position Sensor, so that it didn't sit so deep into the flywheel's space.

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1990 190e 2.6 - The only one I can really call "My Car".

1987 190e 2.3 - The donor car's up and running, only mods are Euros and a Sony headunit. My Dad's runabout now.

1990 300e 2.6 - The parents' ride.