Bell housing dust cover

[Tapitha]

I struggled for a long time this afternoon to fit my nice new rubber dust cover into the hole at the side of the clutch bell housing.
It just would not fit, get one part in and the other pops out etc. Is there some secret that I need to know to make it fit? I can now see why the hole was covered with duct tape by a previous owner. Why is there a big hole in the side anyway?
Thanks,
Mike

[chrisryder]

if you mean the one opposite the clutch for, there's a hole for LHD versions, which would have a different 'front cover' with the pivot on the other side.

if you mean the slot in the top of the bell housing, which is very often covered with duct tape, it's cut out to clear the steering rack.

[chrisryder]

...as for tricks for fitting. if it's the side one, i've never struggled. if it's the top one, i've never tried!

[Tapitha]

Thanks for telling me that the side hole is for the left hand drive cars. That clears up one mystery. I didn't know that there was a top hole! It is the side hole that is beating me.
Mike

[bmcecosse]

Very possibly the 'new' seal is too hard/inflexible. You could try it in hot water I suppose - or just leave the hole open - extra clutch cooling!

[Fingolfin]

or just leave the hole open - extra clutch cooling!

Well...yes, certainly. But Mog was missing the covers on both sides, and the inside of the bell housing looks like oily elephant skin! Lots of gunk gets in there without the covers.

[mogbob]

Mike
Roy suggestion of a soak in hot water,to soften the rubber is good.A smear of vaseline in the groove will help.Then insert roughly half, as you have done already,holding the inserted half flat with the heel of your palm, push the remaining half in with
either the rounded end of a spoon or a couple of wooden lolly sticks.Gently maintain pressure all the time you ease it in.
Good luck with it.
Bob

[Tapitha]

Success! Many thanks for your advice. A combination of hot water and vaseline did the trick. Got top, bottom and one side on and then after a struggle the remaining side popped in. A satisfying outcome to the task, it might only do the same job as duct tape but it looks much better!
Mike

[mogbob]

Mike
As they say " I love it when a plan comes together ! "
Well done.
Bob