T-18 issues

[grendel_cave]

I'm trying to decide if novak owes me some parts or if the meltdown of my t-18 is my fault. My friend and I rebuilt a t-18 with a novak rebuilt kit and followed all the instructions. We also set the end play according to novak's instructions. Long story short, the transmission melted down (third gear welded itself to the main shaft) after driving it a distance of 2 hours. Tearing it down, it appears the input bearing novak sent out was 23 mm in thickness when it should have been 20 mm. Would that require more/less end play than the novak instructions came with or would the end play be the same no matter what?

 

[grendel_cave]

Calling novak and discussing it with them, their customer service reminded me of what a great company they are. Regardless of whose fault it was, they were very willing to help me out and gave me a very good deal on replacement parts.