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gmardiro 10-01-2012 04:41 PM

2.3 MTX-75 Bolt pattern
Does anyone have or know where to find a bell housing bolt pattern for an 2.3L manual MTX-75? The dealer wasn't helpful. I have the old transmission out and rebuilt one in but one or two of the bolts don't seem right. One in particular is too long for any particular hole. Amateur move I know but I had them out in a sequence in a piece of cardboard. Not sure what the heck happened.

Any help is appreciated.

2003 2.3L Manual zx5

whynotthinkwhynot 10-01-2012 04:51 PM

Well then, take a measuring tape to the center of the holes on the old one and one to the one installed in the car. I always used a fabric tape- like what is used for measuring sewing projects. Then you can put it around the trans and measure the distances between all of the holes at once- example: 1= 1", 2=6", 3=11" and so on. Then you can wrap that same tape around another transmission to see if the centers of the holes line up with what you measured on the other more easily than measuring the distance between each set of holes.

gmardiro 10-01-2012 07:25 PM

I think I follow, but how does that help me ensure the right bolt goes in the right spot? That's what I'm really looking for. I figured a bolt pattern might show the hardware that goes into each location.

sailor 10-02-2012 01:32 PM

I've seen parts diagrams that detailed, but unfortunately only for motorcycles (Honda for example).

The Ford computer parts diagrams I've seen are VERY poor in that regard, for example i had to find a part number in this forum for my wiper relay since the dealer's parts diagram simply listed all the relays in that area by part number without describing the function or location of ANY of them!

The parts person mentioned that the only way he can tell which one is needed is for a mechanic to pull the old one to match numbers!

When facing an issue like yours, my usual approach is to loose fit all the bolts looking for similar amount of shank exposed when they are only screwed in one turn. Which goes where usually becomes obvious.

Did the ones installed so far seem to tighten up properly?

Sometimes when a bolt has to go through a couple parts you can get a false sense of the proper length when it screws into an unthreaded intermediate piece instead of the threaded hole in a part further in.

Using a small rod to check hole depth can determine if this is happening to you.

I'm betting this is what's happening, and the long bolt belongs in one of the holes a shorter one is in now....

