clutch fork

PostPost by: gjz30075 » Mon Mar 02, 2020 1:08 pm

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?
Greg Z
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45/7286 S3 SE DHC
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PostPost by: Craven » Mon Mar 02, 2020 2:19 pm

Clearly a catastrophic failure, I think failure starts with cracking down the folded edge.
May help.
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PostPost by: JonB » Mon Mar 02, 2020 4:17 pm

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.
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PostPost by: 2cams70 » Mon Mar 02, 2020 10:19 pm

Craven wrote: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
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PostPost by: ecamiel » Tue Mar 03, 2020 10:49 pm

I have one that has the same failure. The folks at Bean said it was common.
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PostPost by: 2cams70 » Tue Mar 03, 2020 11:56 pm

ecamiel wrote: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.
1970 Ford Escort Twin Cam
1972 Ford Escort GT1600 Twin Cam
1980 Ford Escort 2.0 Ghia
Peugeot 505 GTI Wagons (5spdx1) (Autox1)
2022 Ford Fiesta ST.
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PostPost by: JonB » Wed Mar 04, 2020 8:24 am

Yikes..!
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PostPost by: alan.barker » Wed Mar 04, 2020 11:22 am

I thought under the Clutch Pedal there was an adjustable Stop :roll:
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 :shock: :shock:
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PostPost by: 2cams70 » Wed Mar 04, 2020 1:09 pm

alan.barker wrote: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.
1970 Ford Escort Twin Cam
1972 Ford Escort GT1600 Twin Cam
1980 Ford Escort 2.0 Ghia
Peugeot 505 GTI Wagons (5spdx1) (Autox1)
2022 Ford Fiesta ST.
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PostPost by: alan.barker » Wed Mar 04, 2020 1:40 pm

I think adjusting it should be done and Lotus had their reason to fit it.
Some owners don't even know it exists. :roll:
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PostPost by: 2cams70 » Wed Mar 04, 2020 10:55 pm

alan.barker wrote: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).
1970 Ford Escort Twin Cam
1972 Ford Escort GT1600 Twin Cam
1980 Ford Escort 2.0 Ghia
Peugeot 505 GTI Wagons (5spdx1) (Autox1)
2022 Ford Fiesta ST.
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PostPost by: Craven » Wed Mar 04, 2020 11:24 pm

Something about over-throw on a diaphragm clutch.
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PostPost by: Gray » Thu Mar 05, 2020 6:32 am

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.
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PostPost by: el-saturn » Thu Mar 05, 2020 7:43 am

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
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PostPost by: oldelanman » Thu Mar 05, 2020 8:47 am

alan.barker wrote:I thought under the Clutch Pedal there was an adjustable Stop :roll:
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 :shock: :shock:

Some owners don't even know it exists. :roll:
Alan


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