Clutch/Flywheel Issue
Discussion
So I'm curious to see what the opinions of others is on the below. Not sure I've ever seen anything like it before.
This is after 500 miles of gentle-ish driving during the break in period of both a new clutch and rebuilt engine. Bizarrely only half of the pressure plate and flywheel seem to be damaged. The other halves are almost pristine !! Potential poor/dodgy alignment in installation ? What do we all think ?
This is after 500 miles of gentle-ish driving during the break in period of both a new clutch and rebuilt engine. Bizarrely only half of the pressure plate and flywheel seem to be damaged. The other halves are almost pristine !! Potential poor/dodgy alignment in installation ? What do we all think ?
GreenV8S said:
Is it causing any actual problems?
Yep, started slipping like a lunatic. Its been removed, flywheel refaced and a new (different brand) of clutch installed. All seems to be working fine now.Just strange as it appeared to work perfectly to begin with, then started slipping later on. Which I guess also sort of concerns me that the same could happen again. No way of telling at the moment annoyingly as need to put miles on the new clutch.
As always, enlighten us with some background.
Obviously it's a non standard clutch ?
Was it a complete clutch kit and flywheel ? Installed correctly ? Installed so the release bearing is not actually trying to engage the clutch when it shouldn't ?
It has certainly seen some heat and slippage, whether that's the driver, or when loaded...not so sure.
And the application ? Is it something that might cause the clutch to slip ?
Obviously it's a non standard clutch ?
Was it a complete clutch kit and flywheel ? Installed correctly ? Installed so the release bearing is not actually trying to engage the clutch when it shouldn't ?
It has certainly seen some heat and slippage, whether that's the driver, or when loaded...not so sure.
And the application ? Is it something that might cause the clutch to slip ?
stevieturbo said:
As always, enlighten us with some background.
Obviously it's a non standard clutch ?
Was it a complete clutch kit and flywheel ? Installed correctly ? Installed so the release bearing is not actually trying to engage the clutch when it shouldn't ?
It has certainly seen some heat and slippage, whether that's the driver, or when loaded...not so sure.
And the application ? Is it something that might cause the clutch to slip ?
Hmm sort of a little tricky. No its not a standard clutch as such. Its not unique for my application but been manufactured for a particular brand (TVR Rover V8) as the originals from AP are no longer available. Its also from one of the major trusted establishments in the TVR world. As such I do trust the manufacturing process etc. Not going to say who as I've contacted them as well and am awaiting a reply and I'm not one to start flinging mud around straight off the bat if you know what I mean.Obviously it's a non standard clutch ?
Was it a complete clutch kit and flywheel ? Installed correctly ? Installed so the release bearing is not actually trying to engage the clutch when it shouldn't ?
It has certainly seen some heat and slippage, whether that's the driver, or when loaded...not so sure.
And the application ? Is it something that might cause the clutch to slip ?
Yes complete kit, so pressure plate and friction disc. Also new release bearing, fork arm and pivot also installed at the same time. Slave and master cylinder also changed at the same time so pretty much all components were new.
Installed correctly as far as I'm aware with all clearances being ok, so shouldn't have been trying to engage abnormally. Plus I'm presuming if it had been then the wear would have equal all around both surfaces ? Just can't figure out why only half seems worn. No evidence of a rear main seal leak, or any fluid of any kind back there, so also pretty confident its not been contaminated in that way somehow.
Oh and car was driven appropriately as well. I totally understand that running in a rebuilt engine and new clutch requires no traffic light GP's etc etc. I'm fairly confident of my ability of not slipping a clutch excessively, but granted, who knows ! Could have been me for sure but I don't think so...
Will wait for the suppliers response, just wondered if anyone had seen this sort of thing before.
rev-erend said:
The witness marks are not uniform. This should give clues to the problem. Perhaps the release bearing not central or clutch or flywheel not fitted level.
The more I think about it the more I reckon I could have messed up the installation and not had everything perfectly true and straight. Hard to imagine how as I'm pretty diligent with this stuff, but we're all human ! If its on me then so be it, I'll own it and put it down to a learning experience.InitialDave said:
OK, then I also vote for uneven clamping or similar.
I seem to recall there was an issue many years ago with a specific pressure plate (VW Golfs, maybe?) having a dish/distortion to them that meant only the outer edge had proper contact and they burned up quickly.
Seems to be heading in that direction doesn't it.I seem to recall there was an issue many years ago with a specific pressure plate (VW Golfs, maybe?) having a dish/distortion to them that meant only the outer edge had proper contact and they burned up quickly.
Thanks for all the input so far everyone !
stevieturbo said:
When the cover was all bolted up, were the clutch fingers all depressed down the same amount ? That could give an indication of any uneveness.
And presumably if you put a straight edge across the clutch cover, the friction surface is all uniform ?
As far as I remember yes they were. At least they weren't out enough to be clearly noticeable.And presumably if you put a straight edge across the clutch cover, the friction surface is all uniform ?
Good call, will try tomorrow when I get a chance.
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