Jeff wrote:
>I am somewhat new to the triumph world so can someone please explain to me
>the importance of the thrust washer, what it does and what to look for that
>indicates the need for replacement.
Thrust washers (there are two) limit the crankshaft's movement forward and
backward within the engine block. Naturally, the crankshaft isn't really
supposed to move forward and backward inside the engine, but to allow the
crank to rotate freely, there has to be a little space around the crank to
allow it to move slightly. Slightly means about .007" When you push the
clutch pedal in, you are applying pressure at the rear of the crank which
forces the crank forward *a little bit* inside the engine. (This is ONE
good reason why you shouldn't sit at a traffic light with the clutch
depressed) That pressure wears the thrust washer down a little every time,
and eventually, (worse case) the thrust washers will actually fall out into
the oil pan. You can check the thrust washers with a dial indicator
mounted at the front of the motor. First, with a large screwdriver, lever
against the crank pulley to push the crank BACKWARD in the engine. The
dial indicator must be lined up to measure the forward movement of the
crank at the end of the crank pulley. With this in place, depress the
clutch. The measurement shown on the dial guage is the approximate
end-float in the engine, and if it exceeds a certain spec, then the thrust
washers are toast. It is wise to take several measurements and then
average them out. This will give you a more accurate measurement.
>Next, am I correct in my assumption that when you switch to overdrive you
>should enage the clutch.
When switching overdrive on or off it is NOT necessary to step on the
clutch pedal. Just flip the switch!
Pete Chadwell
1973 TR6 CF10732 (non-overdrive)
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