83 ASPENCADE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR

[PRACTIKALGUY]

When I pulled off the rear cover to fix the starter clutch, the output shaft came out and the gear it sits in seems to just be sitting back there. I put the shaft back in thru the gear and it rotates fine, but is that normal? Does that gear just "float" there unless the output shaft is connected?

[WingAdmin]

Yes, this is normal. The service manual even mentions that this can happen.

[PRACTIKALGUY]

One question: when replacing the rear cover, do you have to do something special with the pulse generator shaft? I tried to line up what looks like a little pin on the end of the shaft with a notch on the engine side. Anyway, the cover went on, but was a bit stubborn the last 1/4 inch or so.

[moffat]

I place the pulse generator notch in the vertical position and the pulse generator shaft pin also in vertical position whilst having a spanner on the alternator bolt via the removable plug in the rear case just in case it needs a little jiggle. Its easy to see the pulse generator shaft fitting in if you keep you eye on it via the decreasing gap between the casings. They can be a bit stiff at the last 1/4 inch due to the two locating dowels mating up between the casings. Ensure you have a new gasket though.