What is the function of the metal spacer that goes between the gearbox and the engine. Which one have people used? The one that comes with the zetec
does ot align very well with a type 9....
thanks
Dave Bailey
What the bellhousing?
It aligns the engine in relation to the gearbox and creates space for clutch, release bearing etc etc....
The thin steel one that fills the gaps between the bellhousing and the block is there to keep water and crud out of the flywheel and clutch. It's not really a spacer, I ran an Escort Mk1 estate without one for years without any problems.
I thought it was used as a sort of gasket, to help keep muck out, and I know several people have made their own, from ally sheet. zetec-cat.co.uk
shows one thats been purpose built.
Regards
Matt
thanks guys!
quote:
The thin steel one that fills the gaps between the bellhousing and the block is there to keep water and crud out of the flywheel and clutch. It's not really a spacer, I ran an Escort Mk1 estate without one for years without any problems.
Aha- that spacer!
Not sure it's a great idea to totaly omit it, the exposed bottom of the bellhousing would make a great scoop for gravel and general road debris...
one I made earlier 
nice job....
wanna make me one?
quote:
Originally posted by Danozeman
Indeed. Mines in the bin and it all aligns and works fine. I think people have used the CVH one modified a bit. Id leave it out unless your rallying.
The manufacturer's version has a split in it so you can thread it behind the flywheel and locate it with a dowel before you assemble the engine and gearbox.
Not enough time to work on my own
sorry.
Not hard, 1.2 mm steel
I used the plate from the Pinto.
I fits with a bit of cutting around the rear main bearing housing and a small plate welded in where the Zetec starter usually fits.
Same here 
i butchered the pinto one i had,looks like its going to work out fine.
this is an interesting thread - im gonna try this later for my zetec. been wondering about this.
has anyone noticed loads of crap in the bellhousing if not using one of these?
I am using the one that came with the zetec motor, the only part that needs modifying slightly is where the starter goes, I'm just going to cut
it out...
Rescued attachment Starter point.JPG
you'll fin the start hits the standard sump need to grind the fins off and it will fit.