[Healeys] New clutch query

[gradea1 at charter.net]

Hopefully, you have the correct parts! In the early MKI/MKII series
cars there were several different clutch plates as well as a couple of
different bell housings. There is one bell housing that does not fit
one of the clutch pressure plates and rubs (expensive noise you
describe). Since you used your original bell, you should insure that
you got the correct PP.
It's real important, now-a-days, to check that the parts removed
IDENTICALLY match the ones that you are now putting on. I don't trust
any newly manufactured items unless the match the original.
After inserting the gearbox, properly aligned, you should only have to
close up about 1/2" or less bell to block with the proper original
bolts.
One other thought, if you used the fingered/hung on TO pressure plate,
it is possible to damage it if you let the weight of the gearbox lay
on it before it was fully home. If you used the standard spring unit
that would not be the issue. Hank

	-----------------------------------------From: "Simon Lachlan via
Healeys" 
To: "Healeys"
Cc: 
Sent: Sunday September 19 2021 1:24:33PM
Subject: [Healeys] New clutch query

	You’ll recall the Overdrive saga. Have decided not to commission a
TV mini-series per someone’s advice. 

	1) The overdrive is in and works very well. I haven’t tested the
pressure yet – I will – but it clicks in and out very briskly. 

	2) The new clutch kit is in. Hard to get the old bits off until I
borrowed that magic tool. Used the black nylon(?) tool from AHSpares
as so much handier than the spare original shaft. 

	3) Putting the gearbox back in was pretty tedious. It would go in all
the way except for the last 3 or 4 inches. Took it out again and
checked the alignment was 100% which it was. Put it back in, pushed,
shoved and cursed. In the end we wound it on with long threaded bolts.
I don’t want to put in another clutch. Ever. 

	4) Now, finally, the QUESTIONS:- 

	Initially, getting the car into any gear was very graunchy and really
the car would have been undriveable. Pedal pressure felt the same as
before but nothing was happening except expensive noise. 

	Although there was no evidence of a loss of fluid – why would there
be? – I bled the clutch. I have fitted the extension tube so it
wasn’t tricky. That did make a difference but not to the way it was
previously. 

	So (1) Is it normal for clutches to be difficult at first? A sort of
“breaking-in” period?? 

	(2) I’ll bleed it again but am drawn to getting a longer push rod
for the slave cylinder. Does that make sense? I do have to push the
pedal down pretty far. Comments? 

	(3) Slightly off topic……digging around in my files, I saw a
suggestion to cut the head off the top bolt that locates the slave
cylinder. Then to Loctite in permanently for use as a dowel peg. ie
that bolt is a bit of a PITA and one bolt would suffice. Wouldn’t
it?? 

	All advice would be very welcome, 

	Simon 

	
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