Mating the engine and transaxle.

Before the engine and transaxle can be mated, the clutch must be installed on the engine.  If you have not already completed this step, please refer to the clutch install video or read thru the SK-A instructions.

Clean around the inside rim of the transaxle bellhousing with a screwdriver or scraper to insure that there are no burrs or obstructions that may hang up on the adapter plate while installing the transaxle to the engine.

Inspect the input shaft; it should be free of dirt or burrs.  Apply a thin film of all-purpose grease to the end of the input shaft to lubricate the pilot bearing.  Inspect the input shaft splines to insure they are clean and undamaged.

This is also a good time to inspect the throwout bearing and the throwout-bearing fork.  If these are badly worn or damaged, they should be replaced before proceeding.

Before attempting to mate the engine and transaxle it sometimes helps to loosen the lower starter bolt to gain a little bit more wiggle room.

Align the transaxle with the face of the engine so the input shaft will travel through the clutch disc and into the pilot bearing.  Turn the transaxle so that it will slide over the studs on the adapter plate and push the transaxle onto the engine.  If the transaxle does not slide easily into place, rock it gently back and forth until it is fully seated against the face of the adapter plate.   

Once the transaxle and the engine are completely pushed together install the nuts and washers to the studs coming thru the transaxle and torque the fasteners to 45 ft/lbs.  Be sure to use red threadlock.

Insert the cap head bolt into the upper hole for the starter with 2 washers.  Torque both starter bolts to 18 ft/lbs.  Use blue threadlock.

From this point on, the joined engine and transaxle will be referred to as the “engine assembly”.