Clutch failed again (pics)

[marty]

Well I finally got round to getting the box off to see what damage had been done this time. It seems to be the same area failing on my clutches every time. The springs around the friction plate come apart or loose. This is the 3rd time this has happened and in that time I have not changed the flywheel which in hindsight wasn't the best idea! So all signs point to the flywheel being the culprit but I'd just like some feedback.







And some of the flywheel now, there is slight discolouration and a few heat spots but it feels smooth with no defects. There are some chips in the outer surface also but these do not contact anything.





I can change the friction surface separately as it's a Fidanza flywheel but is this what's causing the problem do you think? Can't keep firing clutches at it for them to be shredded.



My feelings about taking a gearbox out...again!

Cheers, Marty

 

[dac69er]

does the clutch judder when using it? how do you drive the car, are you rough with it? have you tried any different clutch or do you use the same every time?

 

[marty]

The clutch makes a rattling noise when engaged but as soon as you fully depress the pedal it stops. I thought this was the release bearing but looked at it tonight and its silky smooth. The clutch doesnt really judder either..was a bit "on/off" during the first few hundred miles but I assumed that was normal. I am occasionally rough with the car, no mad launches or anything just a bit of spirited driving from time to time. And the first two clutches were blueprint items and the last one that just came out was an Exedy organic. I'm not running anywhere near 200bhp either so it's not a power or torque issue.

 

[Jay]

Looks like the friction plate has failed due to heat. You can see the blue heat marks on the pressure plate too.

The marks on the flywheel and the inside of the clutch plate fingers will be from debris so you could probably disregard them.

It would be worth taking that flywheel to a engineer and making sure it's flat, hard to tell with the screw holes but there looks to have been heat on it also.

Change the release bearing for a new one I'd reckon, they can look as pretty as they want but if there's a noise there's an issue.

Jay

 

[marty]

Yeah there does seem to be heat spots on the flywheel Jay..I think you showed me that when you were sticking in my engine. Should have listened lol! Yeah it'll be a case of an entirely new clutch kit going in. I still have my old flywheel here but the difference was noticeable with the lightened item so not too sure if i should change back or not. Do you know of anyone around Belfast that would do this kind of work or just any machine shop?

 

[Jay]

I'd imagine OD Cars in Belfast should be able to check it for flatness and advise further. If you call ask for Billy and explain what's been happening.

Jay

 

[marty]

Cheers jay I think I've got a guy to look at it. I'll update on progress soon.its been a nightmare trying to suss this out!

 

[Skalabala]

Was this resolved? I say gearbox spigot shaft should be checked.
Fly wheel won't do that, unless it is real bad in some way