Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hi,

Is anyone using a Zetec engine with a hydraulic clutch MT75?

If so did you need to add a spacer (~19mm) to the thrust bearing in order for it to actuate the clutch diaphragm?

Thanks

Good question - I think it depends on which version of the box you have. My MT75 was a diesel version and needed the spacer (19mm from memory)
You can measure both sides and calculate what is needed. If you measure from the block to box meeting face to the clutch on one side and to the face of the release bearing on the other with the bearing retracted you should be able to verify what you need.
It is important not to exceed the full travel of the release bearing unit or it will explode and cant be rebuilt so tread carefully.
I would make a dummy pedal and test it out of the car if I had to do it again. I exploded a unit and had to remove the engine and box again to replace it - grr.

Thanks - where did you get your spacer from? Westfield no longer make them?

It came with the release mechanism which I selected for a diesel MT75.
I got mine new off ebay but they are getting rare now. What about buying a cheap chinese release bearing unit for the diesel version, keeping the spacer and ditching the release unit which I imagine wouldn't last very long.
Failing that, I did make a 17mm spacer from some ally bar but it was complicated (for me with limited lathing skills) and my machine hated doing it for some reason that I need to establish - probably a slipping belt or tired motor. I managed it eventually but it wasn't pretty.....

Spyder do spacers and understand some of the options.

I foolishly threw the old knackered release bearing away thinking that the available parts would be an easy change. I ended up with a complete new setup from Spyder at cost. Give them a call and talk to Andy.

Have emailed them and called earlier - they are very busy.

I can't see why Westfield, Spyder et al put the spacer on the thrust bearing, surely it would be easier to make a flat spacer to sit between the thrust actuator and the gearbox?

The Spyder spacer I have sits between the gearbox and the slave cylinder

Ah, so a more intuitive design than Westfield..

Hopefully Spyder will come back to me with this option, thanks

Resorted to designing my own, almost ready for 3d printing prior to milling from aluminium block..

Rapid prototyping?

Looks very nice

Fun bit now