clutch fork

[gjz30075]

So, I'm looking into buying a new clutch fork, just because, and I noticed all the vendors sell
only one type, which is claimed to cover road, race, rallye, etc. I'm guessing it is a heavy
duty type and rather pricey. What makes today's clutch forks being sold 'better' than the oem one,
and is there any reinforcing I can do to an oem one to beef it up?

[Craven]

Clearly a catastrophic failure, I think failure starts with cracking down the folded edge.
May help.

clutch fork.jpg (112.79 KiB) Viewed 2593 times

[JonB]

That's a pretty extreme failure mode, Craven.. I don't think it's very common? I'd think you'd get some warning too: clutch feel, having to push the pedal further before it disengages perhaps.

You could probably weld additional strips of metal to the left and right hand flanges, that sort of thing, but I'd inspect the existing piece first. For example, mine's done 103K miles and it looks as good as new. Came up lovely after I'd cleaned all the clutch dust and grease off it. I wouldn't bother strengthening it as a pre-emptive measure.

[2cams70]

Clearly a catastrophic failure, I think failure starts with cracking down the folded edge.
May help.

Yep that's where it typically fails. That's why you fit a Burton's heavy duty one when the box is out.
I have seen them modified by welding reinforcement plates along the side but I prefer to just replace.

https://www.burtonpower.com/clutch-fork ... 2e205.html

[ecamiel]

I have one that has the same failure. The folks at Bean said it was common.
Eric
64 S1

[2cams70]

The folks at Bean said it was common.

Yep. Same part as Grandma's 1500 Cortina and not designed for the heavier clutch in the Twin Cam. Just like Lotus Elan engine mounts - originally designed for a 40HP 997cc Anglia.

[JonB]

Yikes..!

[alan.barker]

I thought under the Clutch Pedal there was an adjustable Stop
If this was not adjusted correctly then it would let you spring/force the Pedal further than needed. When the Slave Cylinder Piston was at the end of it's travel and cause metal fatigue
Alan

[2cams70]

I thought under the Clutch Pedal there was an adjustable Stop If this was not adjusted correctly then it would let you spring/force the Pedal further than needed. When the Slave Cylinder Piston was at the end of it's travel and cause metal fatigue Alan

Cracks regardless. Also cracks in Twin Cam Escorts and they have no adjustments for pedal stroke.

[alan.barker]

I think adjusting it should be done and Lotus had their reason to fit it.
Some owners don't even know it exists.
Alan

[2cams70]

I think adjusting it should be done and Lotus had their reason to fit it.
Some owners don't even know it exists.
Alan

By all means. Won't stop it eventually cracking though. The design of the fork is underdone (Ford problem not Lotus).

[Craven]

Something about over-throw on a diaphragm clutch.

[Gray]

They used to break even when Elans were still in production and kept in stock at Lotus dealers. I've never had a problem though.

[el-saturn]

the burton fork makes a pretty tight fit. adjusting or going for the 1,5mil rod-clearance is even more nerve wrecking; so i went back to my original part, last time the engine was out! sandy AND: enjoying the 1st snow free winter at 2500ft.!!! using my elan usually daily. sandy i would prefer real winter btw

[oldelanman]

I thought under the Clutch Pedal there was an adjustable Stop
If this was not adjusted correctly then it would let you spring/force the Pedal further than needed. When the Slave Cylinder Piston was at the end of it's travel and cause metal fatigue

Some owners don't even know it exists.
Alan

Alan,
That's interesting. My S4 doesn't have an adjustable pedal stop ...can you post a picture please.