[Healeys] Clutch

[Tom Felts]

I currently have my BJ8 tranny out.  I have had the OD completely completely rebuilt and having a few well worn tranny components replaced.  The worst part of taking out the tranny and rebuilding is getting the old pilot bush out and  a new one installed.  If anyone thinks the Healey clutch is a tough job, I invite you to replace clutch components in an E Type.  The engine must be pulled with all that has to be disconnected.  I'm in the process of removing mine now. That carbon TO bearing rubbed itself down to metal:):)
----- Original Message -----
From: BJ8Healeys via Healeys <healeys at autox.team.net>
To: healeys at autox.team.net
Sent: Wed, 01 Sep 2021 15:01:11 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: [Healeys] Clutch

In January 2014, I removed the gearbox and overdrive from my BJ8 to fix a
problem with the O/D slipping (low oil pressure) and a bad clutch judder in
reverse that I had put up with for too long.

I replaced the clutch release bearing for convenience and because I already
had the new one in hand.  The new bearing carbon block from Moss Motors
measured 10/32" thick.  The old one (also Moss Motors, installed September
1997) measured 9/32".   That was only 1/32" wear in 80,534 miles, but mostly
long-distance ones.  A photo of the old clutch disc is attached.

 

Steve Byers

HBJ8L/36666

BJ8 Registry

AHCA Delegate at Large

Havelock, NC  USA

 

From: Healeys [mailto:healeys-bounces at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Bob
Spidell
Sent: Wednesday, September 1, 2021 11:55 AM
To: healeys at autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [Healeys] Clutch

 

As for clutch longevity, there are several significant variables: (your)
location, type of driving, driving style, etc. For example, if you DD your
car in San Francisco, I wouldn't expect a clutch to last 50K miles, if that
long. If you mostly drive highway miles, I think 100K is easily doable; I
traded my '08 Mustang in at 124K miles with original clutch and brakes.
Although I've been driving manual cars for over 50  years, I still don't
feel I've 'mastered' them (like landings in an aircraft). Dump the clutch
too quickly and you'll increase longevity--if you don't break anything--at
the expense of smoothness, be very delicate and slip it too much and you
won't get 'normal' longevity. Actually, IMO Healeys are relatively easier to
drive well, a properly set-up clutch with a Healey's torque makes smooth
starts easier; my '19 Mustang is high-strung by comparison and I still
manage to stall it occasionally.

The release bearing can be problematic as, unlike a true bearing it's a
known wear item. I heard a while back there were some low quality parts
going around that failed within a few thousand miles. I'd say if it's more
than one-third worn--anyone know the original thickness of the
graphite?--I'd replace it (again, depending on driving circumstances). 
Bob