Morris Minor Owners Club

1098 engine and gearbox.
Just replaced engine after rebuild etc. When first started up, unable to get any gear with engine running. Adjusted clutch and eventually was able to get gears and move the car to and fro. But as soon as gear engaged with engine running, the clutch is making a really loud whineing/whirling sound. Checked through gearbox spyhole and thrust bearing seems lined up OK against clutch with a small gap when the pedal is released.

I guess if it doesn't sort, then I'll have to take the gearbox out ...

Any thoughts/comments welcomed.

Thanks

Sounds as though the clutch pressure assembly may have been damaged as you were re-fitting the engine ? If it's been knocked off square that would maybe give these symptoms. It's easier to pop the engine back out to inspect it than to start removing the gearbox. What was done in the engine rebuild ? Is there definitely a bronze bush in the tail of the crankshaft ?

I suspect that you're right.
Reground crankshaft, bigends, mains, new oil pump. Decoked head, reground valves, new valve springs. The engine runs fine - about 75psi on first start up and she sounds just great.

The bronze bush was in the crankshaft and appeared OK - I cleaned it out but didn't renew it. Looks like I'll have to take the engine out again and dismantle the clutch etc.

Do you have enough freeplay at the pedal? It is possible to have too little which will overtravel the release bearing and cause nasty noises and clutch drag!

Yes, I had about 1". Have tried adjusting it one way and then the other, but no joy.
Still squeals like crazy as soon as any gear is engaged when the engine is running and the clutch is released ...

Clutch plate put in wrong way round ?

Hopefull find out shortly - have started stripping it down and will remove the engine this week.
Thanks for the comments.

All very unfortunate - when putting it all back -I would connect up the absolute minimum of bits so you can give it a try before finishing the re-installation.

Exactly what I was thinking.
I'll let you know where I've fouled up when I've pulled the engine.

Cheers

Pulled the engine out - as you say, much easier than trying to drop the gearbox.
Found the small bronze bush in the flywheel/crankshaft falling to bits with remnants all over the housing. Removed it and replaced with a new one (cost all of 80p + VAT). Looked again at the clutch plate and the thrust bearing and decided to renew. Engine back in now and she's running like a dream - with a few tweeks here and there of course.

thats great. nice when things go well!

Hmm - surprised the bush would give that effect - was there nothing else obviously wrong ?

The clutch cover/housing seemd to be out of true - particularly where it would meet the thrust bearing. That's when I thought, sod it, I better renew the whole clutch assembly. Perhaps I hadn't tightened it the correct manner - I'm not so sure now.

Cheers

Ahh -I think that's more the likely cause then. the cover probably got 'biffed' when installing the engine - and knocked the end plate off it's springs.

I think you're absolutely right.
However, I'm glad that I've been able to renew the bronze bush and the entire clutch. How many miles do you reckon are required to run in these engines after reground crank, new oil pump, bearings etc?

Cheers

Nothing at all - absolutely no need to run in crank/bearings. It's only piston rings and bores that need 'running in'.

Forgot to mention that I renewed the piston rings as well.

Cheers

Ahh - well I hope you cross-hatch honed the bores! And yes - they do need running in - just take it easy for the first few hundred miles before you start thrashing it!

Hoining was completed before rebuild. Thanks again for all of your advice.

Happy Christmas to all.