<VV> question about 1965 4 speed differential

[N. Joseph Potts]

You're looking through one end (it matters which end) of a shaft whose bore
goes all the way through the differential. Aside from using a strong light,
arrange lighting at the far end to help you see the splines you're
inspecting. I THINK something white at the opposite end might help you the
most, like an index card. But black, or darkness, might also help over, say,
some source of light on the opposite end. Fool around with this until you
can see those teeth. They're in there, and you CAN inspect them without
taking the diff apart. And it's important to do so (mine failed once -
that's a TOTAL breakdown).

Joe Potts
Miami, Florida USA
1966 Corsa coupe 140hp 4-speed with A/C

-----Original Message-----
From: virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org
[mailto:virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org]On Behalf Of John McMahon
Sent: Friday, March 04, 2005 6:13 PM
To: Virtual Vairs
Subject: <VV> question about 1965 4 speed differential


On page 129 of the Corvair Basics book, it says "In addition, the splines
internal to the pinion shaft tend to wear on a MT differential.  These
should be checked visually using a strong light and by looking inside the
pinion shaft.  The splines should be perfectly square, if they are "L"
shaped or mostly worn down, the pinion shaft should be replaced."

I've got a 1965 4 speed, and I'm having a hard time figuring out how to do
this check.  How does one go about looking inside the pinion shaft without
taking the differential apart?  I have pulled the input shaft out, and using
a flashlight I can barely see the teeth that it engages with all the way
over in the transmission, but I don't think this is what I'm looking for.

Any help appreciated!

Thanks,

John McMahon
1965 Monza coupe 4 speed