7 replies to this topic

[tag338]

The clutch was slipping on my 93 SPI that I suspected was due to a contaminated clutch plate.

However, upon removing the flywheel, the friction surface didn’t look in good condition at all, so I decided to seek getting it resurfaced and balanced with a new pressure plate.
 

I took it to a mini specialist that offered this service but after a week or so they said it doesn’t need resurfacing just cleaning up.

 

I’ve now had time to inspect it closer ofter their work and the surface still looks pretty bad to me. There is lots of pitting, possibly cracking and smooth areas (high spots from over heating?).

 

To add to this, I also can’t see any evidence of the flywheel being balanced (no drilled areas), and only minor drilling to the pressure plate.

Having watched ACDodd's excellent videos on the subject, I was expecting both to have been balanced and more than likely needing significant adjustment!

 

So… I’m seeking a second opinion.

What do you think based on the attached photos?

 

I'm tempted to purchase one of the new mini-spares injection flywheels and attempt to find someone competent to balance it.

Thanks in advanced.

 

 

 

Attached Files

•  IMG_7406.jpeg   85.35K   5 downloads
•  IMG_7407.jpeg   94.71K   4 downloads
•  IMG_7408.jpeg   48.79K   3 downloads

[DeadSquare]

 With what did you suspect that your clutch plate had been contaminated ?

 

If it was contaminated, that must be cured.

 

check for oil on the clutch plate by rubbing it with brown paper.

 

If it was oil, check and to be sure, replace the red oils seal and either burn the oil out of the clutch plate with a propane torch or buy a new plate.

 

If you are going to buy a new fly wheel and have it balanced, take the crank, conrods and pistons along as well, to make a pucka job.

[tag338]

The suspected contamination was the crank oil seal that was leaking when I got the car. I stupidly thought the clutch plate was ok as it seemed dry and the flywheel was also dry.
I knew the flywheel wasn’t in the best of conditions but I wanted to get it back driving so gave it a go as is.

Upon closer inspection it’s worse than I originally thought.

I’d love to do a full engine rebuild but that will have to wait for now as I’d really like to enjoy it this summer.
So far I’ve only managed around 50 miles after fixing the oil seal turned into a full refurbishment of the front suspension, hubs, brakes, radiator, vacuum lines, inlet manifold plus usual service things 😂

Edited by tag338, 10 June 2023 - 01:34 PM.

[DeadSquare]

If you have done the oil seal, put it all back together with the new clutch plate, and enjoy this summer's motoring

[Cooperman]

There is no point in trying to balance the flywheel on its own. It must be balanced as a sub-assembly of crankshaft, flywheel and front pulley/damper.

There really is not much wrong with your flywheel. As already said, just re-asemble it with a correctly fitted 'red' seal (use the proper fitting tool) and a new clutch plate. Check the condition of the release bearing and the clutch arm clevis pins together with the ball end of the clutch arm and slave cylinder.

[Lplus]

There is no point in trying to balance the flywheel on its own. It must be balanced as a sub-assembly of crankshaft, flywheel and front pulley/damper.

There really is not much wrong with your flywheel. As already said, just re-asemble it with a correctly fitted 'red' seal (use the proper fitting tool) and a new clutch plate. Check the condition of the release bearing and the clutch arm clevis pins together with the ball end of the clutch arm and slave cylinder.

It doesn't have to be balanced as a subassembly.  If the crank is being balanced then balancing the flywheel and pulley is a worthwhile pursuit, but when changing the pressure plate and friction plate on a verto clutch the flywheel/pressure plate should be balanced before fitting irrespective of the balance of the crankshaft.

[tag338]

Thanks everyone.

I already have a new pressure and friction plate which is what I purchased from the mini specialist to be balanced with the flywheel.
My main concern is if the condition of the flywheel is why it was slipping in the first place and not the suspected contamination (which wasn't evident on first inspection).

Many years ago I replaced the clutch on my original 93 SPI and forever after the engine was noticeably rougher, hence wanting to do a proper job of it this time.
In the few miles I have driven in this one, it's also been pretty viby, but it has been a while since I last owned a mini ‍♂
I'm sure I've read that it's a really good idea with the verto to get them balanced when changing the pressure plate and rover only used to supply and fit complete assemblies for this reason.

I guess if the collective opinion is that the pitting and smooth bits on the flywheel are fine and not contributing to slippage, I can always put it all back together and see how it goes.
I just don't particularly enjoy removing those bottom clutch cover bolts if I have to strip it down again

Edited by tag338, 10 June 2023 - 05:39 PM.

[ACDodd]

https://youtu.be/hTmWuW2yYDc

And

https://youtu.be/uW05K_FglkE

Ac

Edited by ACDodd, 10 June 2023 - 05:48 PM.