10 replies to this topic

[screech]

Hey guys.

Iv just today got my engine running, after a rebuild.

Iv just bled and adjusted the clutch (pre-verto), but when i press the clutch pedal in, the engine cuts out...

If i try to keep the revs up slightly, it will keep running, but i can hear the revs drop slightly as if it want to cut out. Doing it this way, it won't go into gear.


Any ideas where to look first??


Cheers

[mike.]

Hopefully you fitted your thrust washers and checked the crank endfloat?

[Timinichelsea]

As above sounds like thrust washers.

Dont keep running it as you might damage the crank.

[Guess-Works.com]

My first thought was crank thrusts aswell.... however may pay to check the clutch release bearing is not seized, but that would nost often be accompanied by a ear piercing squeal.

Edited by Guess-Works.com, 13 April 2012 - 04:32 PM.

[Cooperman]

As above, but check also that the adjustment stop is set to 0.015"/0.020" and the overthrow stop is set correctly.
Then measure the crankshaft end float.

[screech]

I noticed i hadn't fitted the adjustment stop bolt. I'v just had it apart and put one in, and although iv not got any feeler gauges, i think its pretty much at 0.5mm.
So with that set, and the throw out set (wound all the way in with the clutch down, then in one more flat), its still not having it, put the clutch down and go for 1st, it doesn't go in, but i can feel the car wanting to move forward slightly.

The crank thrust washers i don't know, as i didn't build the block up myself. - or the washer that goes behind the primary gear? This definitely went in and was set, as i had it re-bushed and set properly.


Cheers

Edited by screech, 13 April 2012 - 05:29 PM.

[lrostoke]

you also have thrust washers in the middle of the crank, two half circluar washers either side of the center main bearing.

Edited by lrostoke, 13 April 2012 - 05:28 PM.

[screech]

Ohh goodies, which means another strip down just to check they're there??

Keep a look out in the for sale section! I'm getting to the point of giving up!


Cheers.

[mike.]

Theres not much else it can be unfortunately...

If the thrusts weren't put in, then you've been stalling the engine with the crank being pressed against the bearing caps - Steel vs steel :/

[Cooperman]

I once had a similar problem with a 998 Cooper on which was fitted a brand new competition clutch. It turned out to be a distorted clutch diaphragm, but boy oh boy that took some finding.
Before you do anything else check the crank end float and if it is 0.002" to 0.005" it's got correct thickness thrusts fitted. Actually float of up to 0.008" is OK although a newly-built block should be 2 to 5 thou.
Pushing a new clutch down may slow the engine slightly, but not stall it and when the pedal is down the gears should engage.
The other things which can cause this could be a bent clutch arm or the primary gear seizing onto the crank-shaft due to new primary gear bushes being too tight. This has been a problem with the latest manganese-bronze bushes which need a greater running clearance than the old phos-bronze ones.

[GraemeC]

Try and move the crank side to side with a bar behind the bottom pulley. If there is no obvious movement then the thrusts are in place (but not necessarily OK).