37 replies to this topic

[supersimono]

Over the last 1/2 years I've been doing various work on my Mini, including having the engine out, stripped, cleaned and rebuilt. I had the block bored +60, ported head and fast road cam fitted but no other work done, gear box was cleaned but not stripped, and a new clutch was fitted.

 

I've put the engine back in the mini and had it running (only to check I got everything correct) so it hasn't done and driving since.

 

My problem is with the clutch (verto) - when put into gear i get no bite at all. I've gone through all the components from pedal up to the slave cylinder and replaced them all - clevis pins, master cylinder, braided hose, slave cylinder, I've pressure bled it and no air in the system but still no bite.

 

I'm a bit lost with what to do next. Since all the 'external' components are new and working, my assumption is that it could be an 'internal' issue (i.e. inside the clutch cover plate) and I'm really hesitant to do this as 1. I have no experience in this and 2. I've just paid to have all the work done on the engine and rebuilt...

 

Can anyone advise what I should check and what my next steps would be if I have to remove the clutch cover and check internally? I've attached somer photos and video of the cslave cylinder in action.

 

video

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[KTS]

...first thing to do is make the video publicly accessible so we can see what's happening 

[Lplus]

What do you mean by no bite?  Do you mean the clutch won't engage, even with the pedal fully raised, or the clutch won't disengage despite the pedal being to the floor.

[Spider]

I've fixed the spelling and 'adjusted' the topic title so we have a slightly better idea what it is you need help with.

[sonscar]

Undo the bleed nipple and see if the actuating rod retracts.Free and easy to do.Steve..

[supersimono]

...first thing to do is make the video publicly accessible so we can see what's happening

Sorry, it should be public now 😊

[supersimono]

What do you mean by no bite?  Do you mean the clutch won't engage, even with the pedal fully raised, or the clutch won't disengage despite the pedal being to the floor.

I think disengage? I push the pedal to the floor, slave working and moves the lever fully (see video) but does not go into gear (tried them all)

[KTS]

assuming there's next to no resistance when you depress the clutch pedal;  if you remove the locknuts and the lever from the clutch plunger, how far in will the plunger travel before it stops (in either direction) ? 

 

if you can pull the plunger all the way out then the release bearing is missing, if it travels much further in that it should it may be the top hat carrier is missing

[Ethel]

The terminology does get confusing. Can we agree engaged is when the clutch connects the engine to the transmission: disengaged is when the engine is running, but won't turn the wheels, even if it's in gear?

 

From the description I get the impression it won't go in to gear (from neutral) with the engine running because the clutch doesn't disengage.

 

 

You could try putting it in gear holding the clutch pedal down and giving the starter a short blip. Be sure it can't run in to anything if the wheels are on the ground & disable the ignition. Taking the sparkplugs out would be a good way.

[Steam]

Clutch plates have been known to "stick" to the flywheel. Remove housing and it levers off easily.

[Designer]

I am no expert but looking at the video have you set the gap between the bellhousing and the adjuster nut to 1/4" /6mm. To me it looks as though the nut is almost touching the bell housing when the clutch pedal is released.

[bpirie1000]

Take the bell housing off make sure you have the clutch release sleeve fitted.

Item 54 on the following link.

https://www.somerfor...heel-and-clutch

Edited by bpirie1000, 08 January 2024 - 07:41 PM.

[Lplus]

I am no expert but looking at the video have you set the gap between the bellhousing and the adjuster nut to 1/4" /6mm. To me it looks as though the nut is almost touching the bell housing when the clutch pedal is released.

The video starts with the clutch pedal depressed.  The larger gap between nuts and cover when the lever moves is about right and  when depressed the nuts do almost touch the cover on mine, so I think it is right.  I don't know why it makes a click and twitches when almost fully depressed.

Edited by Lplus, 07 January 2024 - 01:45 PM.

[Steve220]

If you're getting non-existence, and the slave cylinder is moving, my money is on something missing during assembly. Top hat mod likely

[supersimono]

Taking the cover off is a fun job….

Thanks for the advice everyone, I’ve attached some photos but it looks like everything is there?

Found a random split pin in the bottom of the flywheel housing 😅

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