Clutch Release Bearing Clip

[Bodmin]

Before installing my rebuilt engine I fitted a new clutch release bearing. I was meticulous in assembling the parts and installing the clips using previous posts on this forum for guidance. I reused my old clips.

Today when I was lying on my back under the car connecting a new starter motor cable I noticed one of the clips sitting on the edge of the inside of the bellhousing. (I hadn’t fitted the lower cover hence was able to see the clip).

The only operation of the clutch was to bleed the system. The car has not been on the road.I’m not sure how it could have fallen out.

My question is can I run the car with only one clip in place (assuming it’s still there), or am I committed to remove the engine?

[Mazzini]

You could maybe trying pulling the clutch fork rubber off and taking a peak, though even if were on that side, I doubt you'd be able to reattach it.

I think you're best off pulling the engine.

[Bodmin]

I think you're best off pulling the engine.

Best advice ever. Look what I found! Must’ve seriously screwed up putting it together, although the reason why escapes me.

[Mazzini]

Happy to have been of some help.

Did you remove just the engine or the engine and box?

[Bodmin]

Just removed the engine. Gearbox still in place.

I can’t help thinking that when I started the engine for the first time the entire throw out bearing tried to rotate and damaged both the springs and the D retaining clip which is also slightly bent.

The bearing seems fine, so again it’s a mystery!

[rgh0]

If the bearing and carrier are over extended forward before the engine and gear box is mated its possible for the assembly to jam on the guide tube and then the clips come off when its pulled back.

cheers
Rohan

[john.p.clegg]

Those clips can also be a bit of a bugger to fit , if you have a diagram , it helps , they can be fitted in the wrong orientation...

John

[promotor]

I think you're best off pulling the engine.

Best advice ever. Look what I found! Must’ve seriously screwed up putting it together, although the reason why escapes me.

As has been pointed out by someone more observant than me (my old man) the retaining clip that holds the fork to the pivot pin is missing in this photo so presumably this wasn't fitted? That could cause you problems when jiggling the engine into position such as something getting displaced.

[Mazzini]

Hey Al,

Good talking to you yesterday. Thanks for your advice.

If you enlarge the photo, the clip is still there.

Cheerio,

Rob

[Bodmin]

The clip is definitely still there. My original picture did give the impression it might be missing.

Having said that I did have to nip through to the garage and check again in case I had been hallucinating.

[promotor]

Hey Al,

Good talking to you yesterday. Thanks for your advice.

If you enlarge the photo, the clip is still there.

Cheerio,

Rob

Eyup Rob, thanks for calling. Always good to chat. Glad to hear you think of me for advice even though I didn't help, and I cut you off early for some snap!

I blew that photo up before I made the post and still didn't see it! Thanks for clarifying!

The clip is definitely still there. My original picture did give the impression it might be missing.

Having said that I did have to nip through to the garage and check again in case I had been hallucinating.

Glad to know it's there! Sorry to cause you worry! When you refit the engine to the gearbox the best method is to make sure that the fork and bearing are sat as far back towards the gearbox as possible so as not to disturb it when getting the engine fully into position.
I like to use studs in the top holes of the rear face of the engine block to help get the gearbox and engine mated up a bit more easily. I'm not sure if there is room to do it in an Elan but it does work in other cars (admittedly with more room) - it also helps to stop the engine and clutch hanging on the gearbox nose and potentially damaging/bending the clutch driven plate aswell as not disturbing the clutch fork and bearing too much.

Best of luck in re-fitting it.

[Bodmin]

New parts installed and ready to go.

[Mazzini]

Looking good! I would make sure it moves correctly, but not too far forward