11 replies to this topic

[Harryweekes]

Hi,

Can somebody help me troubleshoot the problem I am having.

When the car is running and I push the clutch down to select any gear the engine revs drop and the engine labours. When the car is cold the engine stalls when the clutch is pushed. The problem has got slightly worse since I have noticed it happening.

Some people say it's the clutch thrust bearing or the whole clutch??? Some people are saying that the crank is moving???

Any help much appreciated.

Thanks

Harry

[The Principal]

more likely you are pushing the crank against the thrust washers, check the throw of the clutch plunger - the two large nuts on the end of the plunger govern how far the plunger and clutch move.

[Dan]

It's likely your problem is caused by failed crank thrust bearings. Reach down below the rad (engine off, obviously) and push the crank pulley in towards the engine as hard as you can, don't be afraid to lever it with some softwood. Have someone push the clutch pedal and watch the pulley. The pulley shouldn't really visibly move, the end float should be no more than 0.005" by the book (although some builders will go a little higher). If you have a DTI you can measure end float properly at the pulley like this, but without one you are looking for it to pretty much not move to the eye. You should be able to feel the movement with your finger on the pulley, but not see it really. If it's got too much movement here then it's engine rebuild time.

[Harryweekes]

i will have a look at the movement and get back to you

[Harryweekes]

if there is movement on the crank and the engine needs a rebuild would a bottom end rebuild do the job?

[Dan]

Just changing the thrust washers could do the job, but it's wise to give it a thorough overhaul when the whole thing has to come out to fix something so deep inside. Find out if that's definitely the problem first though. If it does have to come out you won't know what's needed until it's in pieces.

[Tamworthbay]

Does it do it with the car in neutral or only when a gear is engaged? If it's only when you engage a gear then it could simply be the clutch dragging. Worth checking before you start taking engines out and stripping stuff.

[Harryweekes]

Unfortunately it happens when in neutral as well, I am going down to where it's kept tomorrow to try and see if there is movement. But to be honest last time it went to a mini specialist they did say the clutch arm is bent and the pin isn't the right length could this be the problem?

[Harryweekes]

right checked movement with a pinch bar, no movement from what i can feel. Also looked and felt the pulley whilst the clutch was being pushed in and out and didnt feel a thing.

what shall i do next have the clutch replaced the whole system or any other suggestions???

any help much appreciated:)

[The Principal]

check the plunger throw, if you are jamming the clutch up against the crank and the crank thrusts you will pinch the crank and slow the engine and also wear the thrust washers especially if someone has bent the operating arm, sounds like you have too much adjustment (or throw) on the plunger

[Harryweekes]

thank you, i think im going to have the whole clutch system re done, clutch, thrustbearings, clutch arm, cyclinder etc that what all issues should be eliminated?

[Harryweekes]

right progress, booked it with ML Motorsport for a new clutch and clutch arm including the pin. apparently i have way to much throw due to clutch arm being bent