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clutch

PostPosted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 12:26 pm
by rodlittle
Well I managed to get the car (1963 S1) together enough to get to Goodwood on saturday but the clutch is horrific,
Its only got about 1/2 " travel in to out and its a hard push needed too. Trouble is I rebuilt the engine etc over 15 years ago and when it came to putting them in the body earlier this year I just sort of assumed they were ok as I couldnt remember what I had done to the clutch I assumed Id fitted a new plate and cover but my memory is not good enough to be sure, I did run the engine before it went in as I didnt want to have to take it out again but now it looks as if I will have to remove it. Before I do has anyone got any better ideas.
rod

Re: clutch

PostPosted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 12:38 pm
by ken ob
Yes i have a good idea - sell the car to me !!!!
:lol:
Ken.

Re: clutch

PostPosted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 12:51 pm
by rodlittle
sorry thats not a better idea :D
rod

Re: clutch

PostPosted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 1:12 pm
by Chancer
Clutch slave cylinder too small a diameter or master cylinder too large? Or even both!

Is it just as heavy if you very very slowly depress the clutch pedal? I once had this problem with a mini that I slowly rebuilt, the steel rigid clutch line had rusted internally and was almosy completely blocked, I believe that a swollen flexible can do the same.

Do you know the provenance of your pressure plate? I once had one rebuilt with stronger springs for a cerametallic clutch and it was impossibly heavy, it was cable operated so my options were limited.

Re: clutch

PostPosted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 2:14 pm
by lotusfan
Rob

Have a read of the following thread, particulary the last post about adjusting the push rod, it may be relevant. I found the WSM unclear to say the least.

elan-f15/clutch-slave-cylinder-piston-pushed-out-t25748.html

My only other comment would be to remove the grommet that the release lever goes through and have a look inside at the clutch and release bearing.

I have enjoyed following your restoration, some lovely work there.

Re: clutch

PostPosted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 2:39 pm
by rodlittle
It may be that I have the wrong size master cylinder, I did change it as the old one was broken I must check that before I do anything drastic.
thanks all for your comments/suggestions
rod

Re: clutch

PostPosted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 9:57 pm
by AHM
Also check the slave - the cortina one looks identical but has a smaller piston.

Re: clutch

PostPosted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 10:09 pm
by fatboyoz
Rod,
The master should be 5/8" and the slave should be 7/8". I have just recently had both of mine sleeved with stainless steel. The slave was only a couple of years old, but was corroded and starting to leak. I think the slave was letting air into the system before the leak manifested itself with resulting reduced, pedal effectiveness. The system was a bugger to bleed when back together. Kept at it for a couple of days when the last of the air bubbles was liberated.
Regards,
Colin.
P.S. Am trying silicon (DOT 5) fluid this time.

rodlittle wrote:It may be that I have the wrong size master cylinder, I did change it as the old one was broken I must check that before I do anything drastic.
thanks all for your comments/suggestions
rod

Re: clutch

PostPosted: Wed Sep 19, 2012 1:41 pm
by rodlittle
Spot on diagnosis guys thanks. Just removed the slave and sure enough its 3/4
havent got to the master yet.
thanks again
rod

Re: clutch

PostPosted: Wed Sep 19, 2012 2:23 pm
by rodlittle
Lo and behold the master is 3/4 also so thats too big and the slave is too small. problem solved I think now all I have to do is find or refurbish the correct ones
rod

Re: clutch

PostPosted: Wed Sep 19, 2012 6:09 pm
by Bud English
I sourced a new master cylinder on UK eBay earlier this year. I'm not to the stage in my rebuild to have installed it. When I read this thread I thought I'd better have a check. Sure enough, it's a 3/4" unit as well. That's probably what I get buying an advertised "elan" part from a Triumph specialist.

Once again the picture looked right and the price was too good to pass up, even with postage. I'm guessing my price, reselling it, will look good to someone as well. I'll call out the bore size when I post it though. ...now to find the correct one.

Re: clutch

PostPosted: Thu Sep 20, 2012 8:57 am
by rodlittle
For anyone who needs them I have found the following company which will supply clutch cylinders from stock.

PowerTrack Ltd
Tel/fax (01753) 842680
International +0044 1753 842680
- Worldwide suppliers of obsolete Lockheed and Girling Brake/ Clutch Components

No connection to me :D

prices are 5/8" Master cylinder ?49.50 for genuine girling part with metal cap
7/8" slave cylinder ?39.50 both +vat

best prices I could find!!
rod