Pilot Bushing Lubricating Wick ???

[billyocup]

Getting ready to reinstall flywheel on the AMC 304 in my 75, then install new clutch kit and get the engine back in the frame. I've been reading the FSM and it refers to a lubricating wick in the crankshaft cavity behind the pilot bushing, that is supposed to be removed, cleaned, soak in oil and reinstalled. I haven't looked yet to see if it is actually there and can be reused, but wanted to be prepared to replace it if needed and can't seem to find that part listed anywhere. I found a couple of threads on other sites that seemed to indicate that the wick was no longer needed because the modern pilot bushings are already oil impregnated. I did a search on this site to see if there was any info and couldn't find anything, so I thought I'd ask.

As always, Thanks for the help.
Bill

 

[1986cj7]

When I replaced mine in the instructions for the pilot bushing said to soak it in motor oil, and clean the wick and relub it. So that is what I did. I also used a kit from Sachs I believe it was. I would check with the manufacture of the kit to see about oil impregnated pilot bushings.

 

[xena1]

Not needed. Pilot bushings have imbredded oil. You could put some lube on shaft just for install.

 

[73CJ]

Pilot bushing are made from Oillite material which is oil impregnated.

My 73 Jeep FSM says" dip the bushing in engine oil. No other lubrication is needed.". Page 5-2, 3rd column.

Keepin mind that the only time It's spinning is when the clutch is pushed in.

 

[billyocup]

Thanks for the response. The clutch kit I got has a lubricant supplied for the shaft. My big question was about the lubricating wick referred to in the FSM and whether it is really needed. If it's intact in the crankshaft cavity, I'll clean it and soak it in oil and reinstall it like the FSM says to do. But if it's not useable or missing, my guess is that with the oil impregnated bushing the wick is not really needed? Just thought someone might know for sure.

 

[jasonmark1993]

Never heard of this. I've probably installed over 100 clutches and I've never lubed a pilot bearing or bushing. Maybe that was for older ones or something.