Today, I pulled the M41 from my 142 to inspect if I had any bearing problems such as the throw-out bearing, pilot bearing or the input bearing for the tranny. I had prepared myself to use the wet tissue application to get the pilot bearing out. Stuck my finger in there to twist the inner race and was able to pull the pilot bearing out on my finger like little Jack Horner pulling out a plum from a Christmas pie.

I suspect this was causing the noise, but what say ye?

On another note, the rear main seal was in rather good shape. It is a felt seal that had copious amounts of sealant applied to any surface that might leak oil. I'll replace the housing with an updated unit. Do I remember correctly that the new rubber unit needs to be soaked in oil for an hour or so?

TIA,

Jack