In a message dated 1/8/03 7:05:10 AM, jfarrugi@UMICH.EDU writes:

<< the pilot bearing was in such bad condition that there were only two or
three small slivers of needle left, and the inner cage was in pieces.  the
outer cage of the bearing had become fused with the crankshaft from the
heat generated.  needless to say it was very difficult to remove. >>

Jonathan,

We definitely have a shared experience here! The only difference is that
there was no bellhousing damage. I talked to a shaft seal manufacturer the
other day and was told that these things are readily damaged with shaft
wobble of less than 1 degree. What a mess. Strictly German charged me an
extra hour over the pilot bearing case removal and crank hole cleanup and the
mechanic said I got off easy!

Frank Grunthaner