Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing 63 Plus 4 Clutch Bearing

My throw-out/thrust bearing started to squeal at the weekend. After some research and this great thread (below)

http://www.talkmorgan.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/116897/Replacing_clutch_thrust_bearin)

I see that I need to pull the engine. Before I do that, I'd like to take the car to a local show in a couple of weeks. So my question is this: Given that the squeal started just 5 miles ago, and the show would total 50 miles, will the bearing last that long?

I realize it's a "piece of string length" question, but do these carbon bearings fail relatively suddenly or slowly?

dave

Yes go to the show and get on with your life. It will last for years not days with that noise.

Dave

Concur with Eddie's advice, the squeal is normally advanced notice that the carbon thrust bearing is on its way out , but it will be many miles before it fails completely and you get metal on metal contact.

Go to the show and enjoy it.

Remember that the bearing can squeal for a number of different causes and wear of the carbon thrust is only one of them. It could have dried out, the pinch bolt under the clutch sleeve could be contacting the bell housing rather than moving in and out smoothly, and the linkages could be worn enough to prevent full movement of the sleeve.

Once you do start the repairs you have a couple of options:

1 Replace the current components as is. I would get the bell housing skimmed and sleeved so that there is no slop and you can reinforce the thrust side of the slot with some harder metal. All the linkage bolts will probably have ovalled , so they will need either total replacement or drilling and oversize ones fitted

2 Go for a more modern diaphragm clutch unit. This is both lighter and requires less pressure to operate that the standard spring unit. You need to machine the front of the clutch sleeve to accept a roller bearing , not a difficult job , but try to use someone who has done this job before. I think the diaphragm clutch normally used is from an MGB, and readily available. Again get the bell housing skimmed and sleeved, and make sure all the linkages are perfect and have no slop.

If you want some smoothness to the drive train get the clutch unit balanced before fitting , and if you want to speed up the Moss Box , then while the engine is out on the bench , remove the flywheel and get that lightened and balanced. You will be amazed how much metal can be removed safely.

I am sure there are several west coast Morgans who have done the MGB clutch conversion, talk with them and discuss the options, then make up your own mind which route is best for you.

I converted to the MGB diaphragm clutch unit in 1959. I kept the carbon bearing. All balanced clutch piston and tube checked. It has been reliable for all these years with many, many miles. Greg Solow who owns and runs the "Engine Room" in Santa Cruz. California did the job which included rebuilding the Moss Box. Money well spent.

Thank you Bill. I knew you had done this conversion. It does make sense, as it greatly reduces the loading on the clutch sleeve, cylinder, operating rods and pivots, and gives an easier pedal . What's not to like?

Thank you, all. I'll go without undue worry and make a broader plan for a replacement/upgrade later. I will readjust the links beforehand though.