Clutch Parts Query

[Concrete-crusher]

Hi I'm hoping for some advice again.

I have removed the engine to do a rebuild , subject of another post , so while I'm at it I wanted to improve the clutch.

The original clutch was working fine , but what I have found when I separated the engine from the gearbox is the type of clutch cover that does not have a thrust pad , but my bearing is the type normally used with such a pad , ie its not the rounded type.

Reading old threads on the subject it seems the view is you can't mix and match , but my combination was working.

I have bought a new old stock clutch cover which looks the same as my original shown below , and was about to buy the bearing when I realised the difference.

so can you get the thrust pad separately to fit into the clutch cover ? and if not , whats the dis advantage of using the flat bearing type which was what was there before?

Thanks as always Steve

[ericbushby]

Steve,
I found the same problem; wrong pressure plate, no thrust pad, flat face bearing.
This meant that the release bearing had to travel further to make up for the missing pad.
To obtain the extra travel the bell housing opening had been ground out where the lever was fouling.
This meant that the operating angle was wrong as well.
I suppose that while you are there the correct thing to do is to replace the pressure plate with the correct one and of course the bearing.
In my case the clutch and pressure plate were as new so I fitted a correct pattern round nose bearing.
This was from a Ford Capri 1.3 and the length and internal diameter were different so I made a bush/spacer to place it in the correct position. It could simply be discarded in the future, but it works well.
There`s allus summat in`t tha.
Best of luck.
Eric in Burnley
1967 S3SE DHC

[AussieJohn]

The pressure plate without the pad is usually from a 5 speed; the 4 speeds have the pad [ in my experience ]

[MarkDa]

Steve
Whilst everything is out you would surely replace the release bearing after all this time?
So why not get one that matches your new cover plate?
Mark

[alan.barker]

I would suggest you buy a complet 3 piece clutch kit + a spigot bearing to go in the crankshaft.
I also prefer to get the flywheel surfaced so there will be no vibration problems.
Alan

[MarkDa]

That makes a lot of sense.
What sort of shape are the retaining springs in?
Don't forget to asses the actuating lever and pivots while you're in there.

[NickD]

The Mk2 Ford Cortina used the cover without the thrust pad in conjunction with a revised (longer) release bearing carrier and the round-nosed release bearing. These revised carriers are not easy to find now, but Burton Power sell an adaptor http://www.burtonpower.com/adaptor-spacer-clutch-carrier-apc1.html which looks to be a cheap alternative. They also have the bearing at http://www.burtonpower.com/clutch-release-brg-mk2-ford-cortina-lotus-mp315-hd3259.html, which is also available from the usual Lotus parts stockists

[Concrete-crusher]

Thank so I have ordered the burton rounded bearing and the carrier , also the last A&P clutch plate so hopefully that parts sorted.

Steve