Clutch Assembly

[Wevster]

My carrier is 1" long, is this correct or not for a +2 130 5 speed? Anyone know the right size?

Cheers
Kev

[rgh0]

I would need to check I have a spare one in the garage ...... somewhere.

I will have a look tomorrow night if no one answers in the meantime


cheers
Rohan

[l10tus]

From what I see the thrust bearing you have fitted is wrong.

Also, the 5 speed bearing is completely a different shape - similar to the 'rounded' one you are pictured holding.

That's because the 4 speed always used the triangular spacer on the pressure plate, unlike the 5 speed which used the 'open fingers' and rounded release bearing.

Also, the thrust bearing carrier is a different item between 4 and 5 speed, to accommodate the the different sized release bearing.

The two sets of carrier and bearing are not (shouldn't be) interchangeable !

If you look on previous posts regards 5 speed conversions (noteably the one with Alex Black and John Clegg involved, They had to go to a lot of trouble to get the correct bearing / carrier set up, sorted. From memory, a dimensioned drawing of the dedicated / correct 5 speed Carrier was posted to enable Alex to machine down the 4 speed carrier to suit the 5 speed one.

It looks like someone has either converted the 4 speed one of yours already, or you've got a setup that's been 'Bastardised' ( scuse the French!) at some stage, possibly.

I've just been supplied with a new 5 speed carrier from SJ Sportscars ( he gets them made to order) - so I'll check sizes for you also.

It looks as if you've got a mixed up set of parts there?

I would suggest you replace the pressure plate at this juncture, also.

Did you do the conversion, was it done by a PO, or whatever?

Regards,

Phil.

[Wevster]

I now realise I've got the wrong bearing, SJ Sportscars will swop as they sent me the wrong one. Steve said he couldn't give details of 5 speed carrier over the phone and his website doesn't show a picture or give dimensions, so I'm still none the wiser. I think all I need is a slightly longer carrier, its just finding one!

Kev.

[john.p.clegg]

Kev
Just dug this picture up....

..from memory the five speed pressure plate has no platen which alters its depth,so one needs to pack out the bearing carrier or bring forward the pivot or a little of both,or source the correct bearing carrier..

John

[Wevster]

Thanks John, I did find your drawing on your old thread about 10 pages in!! My carrier is bigger as you can see from photo, could it be correct 5 speed?

[rgh0]

Yes it looks like you have the correct 5 speed bearing carrier.

Photo of 4 speed on right versus 5 speed on left.

Apart from being longer at 11.5 mm and 14 mm for the two sections on the 5 speed versus 8.2 mm and 11.2 mm for the 4 speed
The bore ID is also different with the 5 speed 31.75 mm versus the 4 speed at 30.6 mm

cheers
Rohan

[Wevster]

Thanks Rohan, I'll wait for a new bearing and try again, I still think there will be a lot of travel as the bearings are relatively similar in thickness, can it be setup and tested without fluid, ie, on the bench? And is it wise to bring the pivot bolt out slightly with a washer or two?

Cheers
Kev.

[rgh0]

You can bring the pivot point out if you want / need to do that for a solution to give more adjustment on the push rod. However I would first try to understand what the problem is

A few things could be causing it apart from the pivot point position..i.e.

The lever arm is bent or the pivot point worn
The C spacer ends are worn
The diaphram spring has got tired and the fingers are not as high as they should be.


A new full thickness clutch plate results in the diaphram spring arms recessing more also. There was a lotus bulletin for the 5 speed gearbox that advised machining a small amount of the standard clutch plate hub to prevent fouling if you have not done that it may also cause what you are seeing. .

cheers
Rohan

[john.p.clegg]

..and as if by magic...

John

[Wevster]

Thanks guys, I'll certainly look into those points, I may have to obtain a new clutch plate cover and look at the fork more carefully .

Cheers
Kev.

[Wevster]

Just to update, SJSportscars exchanged release bearings, and guess what the new one turned up and it's the same as the one I sent back!! I've done some research reading Paul Robinshaw & Christopher Ross Authentic Lotus and they list my old bearing as a 4 speed (see photos). SJ's bearing hasn't any markings.
Confusing or what...

Kev.

[john.p.clegg]

Kev
If you're stuck I might have one in the shed,I'll take a look in the morning.

John

[Wevster]

Cheers John

Kev.

[john.p.clegg]

Kev
Before I go into the shed could you look at your photo 4Jan 5:39 as the two bearings seem to have different IDs ( could be the photo? ).

Is your old rounded bearing knackered ( I know it's good practice to change while it's out ),

So as to not fill up the forum with bumph shall we continue via Pms ?

John