Clutch Drama - Act II
Discussion
You may recall last weekend the tale of the clutch pedal on the V8S "seizing" on me whilst out on the road - no downward movement whatsoever . . . well this afternoon having checked the pedal mechanism, removing and checking the master cylinder, then the slave cylinder - all were o.k. Sorry johno and dave - as much as dont want to say it you were both wrong, the worst case scenario appears to have occurred - having dropped the bell housing inspection plate to try and get a better look, the clutch fork although appearing undamaged is flapping around like a good'un at the business end. I suspect either the release bearing and/or pressure plate have let go in whole or in part!
So, having also being plagued with typical noisy V8 cam chatter for a while I've decided to bite the bullet and lift the engine and gearbox out together and kill two birds with one stone. Actually its going to be more like a flock - as obviously once the engine's out, other jobs can't afford to be ignored either! So what do you guys think about the following?
1. New clutch plate, pressure plate, release bearing and fork. - Is it worth upgrading to something more heavy duty or a race orientated item such as AP or similar? (bearing [pardon the pun]in mind possible future track day use and maybe I'd like to give sprinting a go at some stage).
2. Replace the cam, followers etc. Do I get OE replacements or take the opportunity to upgrade to a fast road cam kit (which I understand ought to be accompanied by re-chipping the ECU at least to get any real benefit power wise - whats going to be the additional cost implication here? and is this all I'll need - what about stiffer valve springs etc.etc.
3. De-coke the heads and re-grind the valves obviously.
4. Replacement hoses all round - probably Samco silicone or similar.
5. Clean up and repaint the otherwise inaccessible chassis areas . . . and of course the block, heads, exhaust (HRT) etc.
6. Re-bush with Powerflex or similar and new engine mounts.
That lot's just off the top of my head for starters and should keep me busy over the next few weekends - good job I've got a decent size garage, a beer fridge and access to a hoist! Your comments regarding the proposed work are welcome and I'll keep you posted progress wise. Look out for a blue T5 Volvo Estate at the S meet!!
So, having also being plagued with typical noisy V8 cam chatter for a while I've decided to bite the bullet and lift the engine and gearbox out together and kill two birds with one stone. Actually its going to be more like a flock - as obviously once the engine's out, other jobs can't afford to be ignored either! So what do you guys think about the following?
1. New clutch plate, pressure plate, release bearing and fork. - Is it worth upgrading to something more heavy duty or a race orientated item such as AP or similar? (bearing [pardon the pun]in mind possible future track day use and maybe I'd like to give sprinting a go at some stage).
2. Replace the cam, followers etc. Do I get OE replacements or take the opportunity to upgrade to a fast road cam kit (which I understand ought to be accompanied by re-chipping the ECU at least to get any real benefit power wise - whats going to be the additional cost implication here? and is this all I'll need - what about stiffer valve springs etc.etc.
3. De-coke the heads and re-grind the valves obviously.
4. Replacement hoses all round - probably Samco silicone or similar.
5. Clean up and repaint the otherwise inaccessible chassis areas . . . and of course the block, heads, exhaust (HRT) etc.
6. Re-bush with Powerflex or similar and new engine mounts.
That lot's just off the top of my head for starters and should keep me busy over the next few weekends - good job I've got a decent size garage, a beer fridge and access to a hoist! Your comments regarding the proposed work are welcome and I'll keep you posted progress wise. Look out for a blue T5 Volvo Estate at the S meet!!
Ouch!
Well I guess I don't get that beer then
I cant comment on the V8 gearbox, but on my S3 the fork was held in place by a pin. If it's the same sort of design then maybe the pin's just broken?
If you're going to take out the engine and box and split them I'd say also replace the engines rear oil seal and check the condition of the core plugs these cost very little to replace. Also the grearbox rear oil seal, and while it's half off also check the UJ's on the propshaft. I did all these for peace of mind whilst my car was in bits.
Well I guess I don't get that beer then
I cant comment on the V8 gearbox, but on my S3 the fork was held in place by a pin. If it's the same sort of design then maybe the pin's just broken?
If you're going to take out the engine and box and split them I'd say also replace the engines rear oil seal and check the condition of the core plugs these cost very little to replace. Also the grearbox rear oil seal, and while it's half off also check the UJ's on the propshaft. I did all these for peace of mind whilst my car was in bits.
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