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MG TD TF 1500 - Installing a new Clutch Plate

Based on the following reply it looks like I have a new clutch in my future:
Jud.
You have a clutch disc that has started to seperate (die) I had the same thing one weekend in Rome Ga. and drove it back to Florida. On tear down there were cracks in the springy section of the disc center.
Sandy

There are probably good threads on the subject but my search skills are woefully lacking so I'll pose some questions here while I search some more.

1. Do the engine and tranny have to be pulled to replace the clutch disc?

2. Even if it's not absolutely required, is it better/easier to pull the engine and tranny to replace the the clutch?

3. When I order the clutch disc should I assume the pressure plate is shot and order one of those also?

4. The release bearing is relatively inexpensive so I'll go ahead and order one. The one that's in there now feels like it's working fine. Should I "fix what ain't broke?"

5. Is pulling and resurfacing or replacing the fly wheel necessary? Again the existing clutch works fine and engages smoothly so long as I do a fast double clutch going ffrom 3rd to 4th. Same as 4, do I fix what ain't broke?

'Nuff for now. This project won't happen til summer or later unless the existing clutch disc gives up the ghost sooner.

Thanks for your help.

Jud
TD25009/, XPAG/TD2/25404
J K Chapin

...no point just replacing the disc... get the plate/disc/bearing ... think they sell as a kit... I have one ready to put in in the spring... Really best to pull the engine transmission... not a huge job, just a bit daunting the first time... A friend pulls his TC engine and can get it in and out in a day (i have allowed a week or two to do the same)
gblawson(gordon- TD27667)

jud, always replace the pressure plate when you replace the disc.
i would replace the throw out bearing as long as i am in there.
if i find the flywheel is flat and not scored or glazed i leave it in service.
i pull the engine/gearbox if doing a clutch.

regards, tom
tom peterson

Each will do things slightly differently. I get the pressure plate re-built and set up, with new disc. I would replace the release bearing each time that the clutch is removed. For what they cost better not to score the surfaces before the next clutch job.
C.R. Tyrell

Let me put in my pleas for replacing the pilot bushing, as well; a worn bushing can cause all manner of clutch chatter, etc. I replace all 4 pieces, and check the clutch linkage for wear at the same time. Red line MT oil in the trans when you put it back together. Be sure to install the trans rear hold-down correctly, with the cup washer pointing down.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

And it is not a bad time to check your ring gear. TD starters have a tendency to wear the ring gear.

I agree with clutch plate, pilot busing and throw out bearing replacement. I always do these together.

Pulling the engine and transmission it probably as easy as not. I can do mine in a few hours, but then I have done it a few times also.
Bruce Cunha

Jud,
If you haven't done this before...
You can do all that with just removing the gearbox.

The seats and floorboards come out anyway, also the gearbox cowling. That should give you access to all the bell housing bolts. Speedo cable, prop shaft etc. Support the sump and the gearbox will come out into the cockpit.
Depending on how strong you are - it can be done by one person but I would advise using some help. I fitted my Skyhook 5 speed this way and it entailed replacing most of the bits mentioned above. It took only an afternoon and working on my own - It was a bear. It helped to have a piece of wood that supports the sump extend back towards and under the bell housing. It will really help when refitting the Gearbox and get the height right.
Important * You will need the dummy first motion shaft tool (plastic bit from Moss) to line up the clutch plate when putting that back together and before offering up the gearbox to re-mate it.

Fun Job :)
And while your there.
Did you do the clutch Mod from Mike O'Connor yet? It really makes a difference. Comes Highly recommended.

http://www.ttalk.info/ClutchLinkageFix.pdf

Rod
R D Jones

The last time I did it, I pulled the trannie out from the inside,,,, I guess it all depends on how much other work you would like to do while you are in there,,, Like,, maybe cleaning out and repainting the engine bay??? recoreing the Radiator? Recoating the exhaust manifold??? If all of the above needs to be done, then pull the engine and trannie out the front,,,,

BTW,, how are the peddel shaft bushings??? A bit easier to replace with the trannie out,,,,

SPW
STEVE WINCZE

Wow!! I'm sure I'm the first TD owner to face this but it seems that one thing leads to another and all of a sudden I'm into a ground up frame off restoration :-) Seriously, thanks. I'll definitely replace the T/O bearing and the pilot busing. Not having the dummy first motion tool is why the '52 Plymouth tranny fell on my finger. I have one for my '67 MB 230S but will get one for the TD from LBC along with the pressure plate and disc. Right now I have no reason to pull the engine or do anything to the radiator or engine compartment so I think I'll go with pulling the tranny through the passenger compartment. Thanks for the link to Mike O'Connor's clutch mod. I had to replace the clutch actuating shaft (pedal to bellcrank) shortly after I got the TD and I have almost no adjustment left although the pedal has 3/4" of free motion and the clutch disengages quite well.

Although winter is when most T-series cars go into hibernation and get treatments such as this, due to other committments this project won't happen til this summer so I'll start a new thread with progress reports (and lot's of questions I'm sure) then.

Thanks all for letting me know that this project seem doable.

Jud
J K Chapin

Jud, there's a trick that I think came from Dave DuBois. When you remove the bellhousing to engine bolts that are at 10 and 2 o'clock, replace them with manifold studs. The studs can then be used to guide the gearbox coming out and going in. Bud

Bud Krueger

Finger savers - clever!

Thanks.

Jud
J K Chapin

GREAT IDEA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
STEVE WINCZE

This thread was discussed between 02/12/2013 and 03/12/2013

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