Clutch replacement - engine or gearbox out?

Post by **Dominic** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 11:48 am

Hi Folks

Seething of Lancs reporting in (again!)
I fitted a nice shiny new engine a few weeks ago, and took the precaution of replacing the entire clutch assembly. Guess what? The brand new clutch needs to be replaced!!!!!!!! GRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!
I noticed a slight sound / feel of springs catching, assumed it was the pedal return spring (not catching on anything of course!) After a mere 250 miles, I have noticed a considerable rumbling / chattering noise accompanied by shimmying being felt when the clutch pedal is depressed. This is however intermittent, doesn't happen every time. Just more and more frequent. I am assuming a spring on the brand new pressure plate is at fault here.
My question is:_
What does the team think, engine out (again!) or remove the gearbox? I have removed / replaced engines a few times, but have yet to sample the joys of gearbox removal. Which is likely to be the easiest, and least time consuming?
Cheers All
Dom

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 11:52 am

I would always lift the engine - assuming nothing needs doing to the gearbox.

Post by **Dominic** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 11:53 am

My that was a fast reply mate! Gearbox seems fine, so engine yet again it seems

Post by **minor_hickup** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 3:05 pm

Ive just done mine engine out, I really didn't fancy gearbox out and found getting the engine out a doddle, getting it in wasn't too bad either.

Post by **Willie** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 4:58 pm

The problem with removing only the gearbox is that it is extremely hard
to avoid wedging the tail end up your nostrils! It is an awkward job and,
since you have to loosen or remove almost as many fittings as you do if removing the engine too it is easier in the long run to remove the engine.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 6:38 pm

There is far less to undo when taking out the engine - and much much less grubbing about under the car.

Post by **bigginger** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 8:44 pm

Seconded re. both out - have done both ways, but will NEVER do just the box again

Post by **les** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 9:50 pm

Engine out, unless you like pain

Post by **Dominic** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 12:10 am

Thanks for the input chaps, looks like engine out wins hands down!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 7:53 am

What - it's not out yet ?

Post by **Dominic** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 8:06 am

What - it's not out yet ?

Ermmmm.... a dinner party for my better half's birthday got in the way! Now work is about to get in the way too !!!!!!

Post by **Rob_Jennings** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 10:27 am

very recently did my gear box.

took a very long time, lot of back aching leaning over and fiddling to get bolts off the back of the engine (you better have thin nimble finger), lot of time rolling around under the car with box on your chest and the firm belief that 'it came out so it must go back'

In summary I think I would do engine out, not that I expect a 'next time' any time soon.

Post by **dunketh** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 12:07 pm

Taking an engine out is laughably easy.

The mere thought of taking a gearbox out makes me wince and start to shake with the post traumatic stress I gained from my last (and only) attempt!

Post by **Kevin** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 2:32 pm

I have noticed a considerable rumbling / chattering noise accompanied by shimmying being felt when the clutch pedal is depressed.

I assume you didnt replace the input shaft bearing in the flywheel as this is often badly worn and can affect gearbox alignment, if you didnt replace it this time they are only a couple of pounds.

Post by **Dominic** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 6:06 pm

I assume you didnt replace the input shaft bearing in the flywheel

I did indeed replace it, or rather the suppliers did. (OK, I cheated and bought a newly reconned engine from my local supplier, worked out cheaper than having the rebore etc done, and the individual parts cost!)

Will be removing the engine tonight, the new clutch kit being on it's way. Will report back what the problem is.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 8:26 pm

Recon engine maybe - but are you SURE it had the little oilite bush in the crank tail (it's not in the flywheel) ? Alternatively - you may have damaged the pressure plate 'fingers' and or springs when struggling with the gearbox. Have a look in through the holes in the bell-housing and see if there is any obviously bent/misplaced clutch items.

Post by **Dominic** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 10:52 pm

Hi Bm
Positive about the oilite bush, as I could see it gleaming in the end of the crankshaft, also I used a 1st motion shaft to centre the clutch, and that was a good snug fit, no sloppiness there.
The engine just needs to have the ring of bolts removed from around the bellhousing, it's got to come out to replace the clutch anyway, and now I'm this far with the project, would be daft not to at least inspect. I've noticed also there is a bit of sideways movement on the release lever, is this acceptable? I replaced that bush a mere 10000 miles ago. I think I have another bush anyway if it needs it.
I re-used the "old" carbon ring bearing, again only 10,000 miles old. This was one I bought from the Birmingham people, and it has twice as much "meat" on it even now as the new one which came with the Classic clutch kit!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 7:33 am

Hmmm - bit of a mistery then !

Post by **Dominic** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 7:29 am

The engine has been out, and is now back in, just need to connect up the radiator and replace ancillaries.
The clutch release ring that bears on the carbon bearing shows marked signs of heat, and more telling, one highly polished area opposite the one small spring that is far looser than the other two. It looks as if one fork wasn't releasing smoothly, thus causing the ring to run at an angle, which would explain the shimmying / rumbling. The carbon ring was being rocked back and forth on it's pivot. A small piece of manufacturing swarf also dropped out of the housing! Mystery solved!