9 replies to this topic

[igander]

I've just re built and re installed an SPI mini engine and clutch. Engine started first time - too good to be true though; the clutch drags. If I select a gear and then start the car I can pull away and the clutch engages 1/2 way up its travel. However with the engine running I cant engage any gears. The throwout nuts are correctly adjusted and the hydraulic system is bled and working fine. Any help appreciated. I live near Bracknell - if anyone wants to come and take a look they'd be very welcome 

[Dusky]

Fitted tophat?
If all hydraulics + throwout are good you probably have a worn pressure plate.

[igander]

May thanks for the suggestions - all clutch components new and top hat installed correctly

[Captain Mainwaring]

Will it turn over in gear with the clutch dipped?

[igander]

It does - the drag is slight but enough to prevent one engaging gear. My guess is that the clutch friction plated is dragging on the splines. Like to be sure I haven't done anything stupid before taking it to bits again.

[mini13]

you are using the short verto arm arn't you?

 

also Ive had issue bleeding these before, it can be dificult to get the air out of the highest point of the pipe from the master cyl,

 

two tricks worth trying are, bleeding at the master cylinder, and putting a tube from the slave back into the master, and pumping it repeatedly with the bleed nipple open.

 

also Ive seen people put return springs on verto's that can cause this problem.

[igander]

hi mini13,

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll have another go at bleeding the clutch though the clutch does move all the way to the (correctly adjusted) throw out nuts.

 

Ian

[igander]

Just removed the clutch completely. Can find nothing wrong except for, possibly, some slight burrs on the splines

 

I'll clean them up and see what happens ......

[igander]

Re-assembled clutch - I can see nothing wrong with any of it. Still drags

 

To summarize:

 

Clutch slave cylinder bled

New clutch components from mini speed

top hat fitted correctly

Plate moves freely on splines

throwout nuts correctly adjusted

clutch works - just drags enough to prevent one selecting gears

[igander]

SORTED - friction plate was binding on splines - now fixed