Gearbox bellhousing repair - How? - Need urgent advice

[Peter C]

I’ve acquired a replacement gearbox for my W124. It ended up being free but there is a snag.

In a previous life someone cut the bellhousing to enable installation of the gearbox to a non W124 engine - see photo.

I’ve got 48 hours to fashion a repair as I’ve got a slot with my mechanic to fit the gearbox for me on Wednesday.

But how? I’m struggling for ideas.

[andy18s]

Does it actually need a repair,or can it be used as is?

Obviously cut to move the starter motor but does your w124 need anything that's missing from that area?

Duct tape will cover the hole to keep crap out....

[Peter C]

The gearbox is usable as it is but I am concerned about crap and moisture getting inside the bellhousing and fucking up the clutch.

[Tamworthbay]

I have run cars with out inspection covers for years with no problems. If any crap gets in it will be out again quickly due to centripetal force on the flywheel. Unless it’s in a spot where shite gets funnelled up to it, I wouldn’t worry.

[sutty2006]

Drill some holes through it and rivet a steal panel over it. Or use silicone to glue a make shift panel over it. 

[MikeR]

as sutty says , just put a cover over it

 

treat it as a inspection cover

[cobblers]

I'd just leave it as is,  I've run stuff with much bigger holes for years no bother at all.

 

[spartacus]

I'm sure you don't need another answer now, but I'd go with what everybody else has said. There are various ways you could attach a cover of some description over the hole but I doubt it needs it.

[Peter C]

Cheers guys.

Based on your advice I’m just gonna stick a bit of gaffer tape over the missing bit of bellhousing and just leave it. I don’t have the necessary resources or time to fabricate a proper cover.

[dieselassist]

...you can make /beat up a simple even crude 'shit plate' - a grandma's nighty  - covers all effort out of tin or whatever that will be mounted via the two bellhousing bolts n cover the hole well; easily done; would take all of 15mins to make; most of that being the big holes in the tin for the bellhousing bolts...

[crapcarcollector]

Bell housing off the old gearbox?

[warch]

Yep my Landie still hasn't had its bellhousing inspection cover replaced after I checked the timing about seven years ago. Anything that makes its way into the bell housing will soon learn the error of it's way once you fire the bugger up.

[Zelandeth]

It'll be absolutely fine.

Couple of small holes and a few rivets will keep a cover in place just fine.

[Mrcento]

Same as above, i'd refit and just cover the gap. Some tiger seal and a bent bit of aluminium would be more than adequate.