RE: Clutch issues - minimal AC

["John Fielding" <johnf@domain.elided>]

Just a thought about what could be causing the clutch not to disengage
fully.

I once owned a Triumph 2500 PI - straight 6 motor which had exactly this
symptom.  Replaced the clutch friction plate as it was slipping and with the
new friction plate it wouldn't fully disengage.  Changed the master and
slave cylinders, still no joy. Changed numerous linkages & bushes to
eliminate any slop in the release mechanism, still no joy.   Replaced the
friction plate again, with new pressure plate to boot, supplier said it
could be faulty.  Sent plate back to factory, 4 weeks later they said it was
marginal and they would send a refund.  Installed new friction plate for the
3rd time!  Clutch still wouldn't release fully when the new clutch was
fitted.  A real SOB job with the gearbox weighing over 300lbs.  And this all
took place over the Xmas holidays with 2 feet of snow on the ground outside
in the driveway as I had no garage, the joys of motoring as a newly wed!

Long story short.  Check the crankshaft end float!  On the Triumph 6 cyl
motor the thrust of the clutch on the crank was renowned for wearing out the
thrust bearing washers and then the crank would move forward when the clutch
was operated.  On mine the crank end float was excessive (about 2mm) and was
enough to stop the clutch from fully disengaging with a new clutch plate!
When the plate wore down the clutch was OK, before I changed the friction
plate the clutch had worked fine.

If considering one of these motors have someone press the clutch pedal down
while watching the crank pulley.  Any sign of movement - walk away from the
deal.  The thrust washers on the crank only come in one size, at least they
did way back and so it was impossible to correct the problem, short of
metal-spraying the centre journal and then grinding back to correct
dimension.  End result - car was cut up and sold for parts!

John

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