Morris Minor Owners Club

Should I buy a new clutch assembly while the engine is out or not?[frame][/frame]

Every time I've had an engine out the clutch has been done. I've never regretted it. Marginal difference in cost really.

SteveClem wrote:Marginal difference in cost really.

I should have priced it up before I asked. You're correct.

It's a rusty old mess - so I think yes. But I dare say it could be salvaged with some work if funds are tight. What's the carbon thrust look like ?

Call me fussy but any clutch that looks like it came from the bottom of the sea should be changed.

Have you been running without the gearbox rubber bungs?

Al

I never put an engine or gearbox back without fitting a new clutch assembly. Even on a Minor where I can have the box out in under an hour.

Make sure your new friction plate moves smoothly on the splines. Looks like there has been a fair bit of moisture in there.

Al, yes, the gearbox bungs are missing but the clutch in the pictures came from a spare engine I have (unknown history/age), because the clutch that was in my car until recently was very, very heavy - back story here http://mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=49063

The carbon thrust has approx. 4mm on it. I'll add a clutch kit to the shopping list. I have a 948 engine and a 1098 gearbx - which carbon thrust do I need?

Thanks all for your input.

It will be best to stick to the one lot of kit - so either 948 backplate/flywheel/clutch/carbon- or 1098 backplate /flywheel/clutch/ carbon -this will really be the better combo if you have the parts. But 4mm is pretty good - will last a long time as long as you keep off the clutch pedal !

OK - stick with one or the other, but which back plate do I have? 948 engine on a 1098 gearbox.

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You have a 803cc/948cc rear engine plate fitted Pt No: 8M240 or 9M226 (MMC) - (Pt No: 88G226 (MOSS)).
Phil

Phil, thanks. So I need a 948 clutch kit? I swapped the 948 fork for a 1098 fork and carbon thrust recently, so I'll need a 1098 carbon thrust?

It would be better to source a 1098 backplate - and use all 1098 parts, But do note - this 'seller' is notoriously expensive - so don't get carried away, and I'm sure carriage could be arranged (UPS/Hermes) for a lot less too. Here you go http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1098cc-engine ... SwT~9Wi9W1

Thanks for the link - I'll 'watch' it. I have one or two spare engines in storage but it would be easier to buy a back plate than try to dig out an engine and dismantle it.

Preliminary results of the engine strip are in. Apparently it was black inside and needs a crank re-grind and a re-bore? Valve guides and seats are worn and there's a few thou' wear on the bores, which could manage with piston rings as a cheaper alternative. The head is level but has some marks from the head gasket. Full report and engineer's advice due soon.

All depends how much they want to charge - and what you can afford. Remember you can get an exchange engine with warranty from Bull Motif (and probably others - I haven't checked) at a fair price - but only really suitable if you live nearby and can deliver/collect, otherwise 'carriage' will kill the deal. Be sure to add in a new oil pump - and timing gears/chain of your choice.

1098 back plate and clutch kit has been purchased but have I made a booboo? Do I have to have a 1098 flywheel?

A photo of the flywheel you have will confirm which you have fitted.
The basic differences between the two is that the 948cc flywheel has the clutch cover nearer to the center of the flywheel whereas the 1098cc flywheel has the clutch cover retaining bolts around its edge.
This is a link to a 948cc engine flywheel:-
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Austin-A30-A3 ... SwFNZWuPab
Here is a link to a 1098cc engine flywheel:-
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Morris-Minor- ... Sw9KpW~aFX

Note the difference in the location of the clutch cover set screws.
Phil

Phil, thanks for the quick response. Here's the flywheel that's on the engine. Looks like I need a flywheel or I just get a 948 clutch kit.[frame][/frame]

Thanks for the picture.
I can confirm that it is a 948cc engine flywheel.
Personally I would get the 1098cc flywheel and be done with it especially as you have the remaining parts.
The flywheel and clutch assy in the second link is cheap compared to other 1098cc listings even though the postage/delivery is not cheap
Phil

Thanks. I'll call Millennium Motors tomorrow to see if they have one - they're local to me. If not, I'll trawl through my spares or look on the internet at the links you sent.

There's nothing wrong with 948 fly and cluch etc on a 948 engine - we're just trying to make sure it mates up ok with your 1098 gearbox. But if it was on and working before - it will do so again.