10 replies to this topic

[harryh733]

Hi guys, just looking for advice as I am confused on something.

 

Was underneath my mini today, as you do, and out of interest stuck a socket on what I can only describe as the big nut at the end of the gearbox (driver side), the big one in the middle closest to the inner arch and next to the clutch lever. Anyway I stuck the socket over it and it moved with just my hand! Thought it maybe loose so tried tightening but it just keeps going it seems. stopped as I didn't know what it is for so have left it, doesn't seem to affect anything driving wise.

 

Any advice would be great.

 

Cheers,

 

Harry

[hankins]

Do you meen this nut?

 

 

The throwout stop nut

[harryh733]

Thats the one! just read about them a bit but still not sure as to what it does? Luckily I pretty much put it back to where it was. 

[lrostoke]

Sounds like your locknut is missing if you where able turn it by hand.

[hankins]

Have a helper depress the clutch pedal all the way to the floor.  With the clutch held in this position, the clutch arm is fully pushed away from the engine by the clutch slave cylinder.  Where the clutch arm enters the clutch cover, there are 2 large nuts; a lock nut and a "throwout stop nut" that has a flange on the clutch cover side.  Loosen the lock nut and back it out away from the stop nut.  Now, with your helper still holding the clutch pedal hard against the floor, spin the "throwout stop nut" up against the clutch cover with just fingertip pressure.  Once it touches the clutch cover, stop!  Now have your helper release the clutch pedal.  Here's the important part:  rotate the stop nut TOWARD the clutch cover, one additional flat of the nut.  Now keep it like that and tighten the lock nut against it without loosing your position.

 

 

This adjustment is critical to the life of the crankshaft.  It keeps you from being able to shove the crankshaft out the front of the engine when you step on the clutch pedal. 

[harryh733]

Thanks for the advice. worried now I have turned it as I use the mini everyday. Will I have made it very bad if I have turned it or is it something I can do over the next couple of days? 

[hankins]

If its difficult to get into gear its because the clutch is not fully disengaging. 

to be honest i know a lot of people that say the throwout stop nut does bugger all and was only put there because they thought it may help.

Personally i wouldn't worry about it if the car drives ok, just check it with a mate when you get a chance. 

[harryh733]

Thanks for your help :) Drove it a bit afterwards and all seemed fine so will hope for now and then adjust as soon as i can. When you say one additional flat of the nut do you mean just one full turn tighter or just one 'flat bit' of the nut?

[hankins]

one flat bit of the the nut bud

[harryh733]

Awesome, cheers for the help. Learn something everyday

[Dan]

  Do you mean that the nut turned on the shaft or that the whole shaft moved?  The shaft is the clutch plunger and can rotate a little way in each direction.  It has to be free to move or the clutch won't work.  This is quite normal and if that's what it is then you haven't adjusted or disturbed anything.