It's a question of false economy, I would think.
Look at it this way:
If you don't replace the clutch -- The best result is that you get the
full remaining wear ("X" miles minus 20K) before you have to pull the
engine again for the sole purpose of replacing the clutch. The worst
result is that due to reinstallation in a different alignment, the phases
of the moon, or the curse of Mowog, some part (most likely the release
bearing) fails sooner than that -- possibly much sooner.... and out it
comes again.
If you do replace the clutch -- At best you have the expectation of
getting the full usable mileage ("X" mileage) before having to pull the
engine again. At worst, if you do have a sudden failure, you have someone
to blame ("cheap #$%@# parts!). And possibly a warranty to fall back on,
depending on who is doing the work.
When I had my engine out for the sole purpose of replacing the flywheel
ring gear, and knew exactly how many miles were on the clutch (less than
20K, actually), I was strongly advised to refit only new components
(admittedly by my supplier, who could be said to have a financial
interest). I would think that argument would have even greater force when
applied to a fully rebuilt engine, which, in the course of things, could
be expected to remain undisturbed for quite some time.
Of course, perhaps you enjoy the process of removing and refitting the
engine and accessories... I, personally, would rather drive.
My 2¢...
Carl French had this to say:
>Ok, both of us have our engines out for the first time. I am doing a
>'full' rebuild (pistons, rings, bearings, camshaft, etc) so my questions
>should far outlast Skye's. My question dujour is I have already bought
>the replacement clutch kit and having now seen the current one I am
>wondering if I could actually get by with the current one? I know the
>golden rule is replacement but $100 is $100 (or $150cdn to skye ;-). Is
>there a way to measure or a visible rule of thumb to determine it. The
>clutch was done around 1980 but the mileage since then is maybe 20k. The
>release bearing looks better than my new one except for a chip out of
>the edge. The pressure plates (the organic looking things?) seem to be
>perfect with the exception of a few wear marks on both sides. Like I
>said a 100 is a 100 and I could still use it for some other parts.
>Ideas??
>Carl
>67B
>
--
Max Heim
'66 MGB GHN3L76149
If you're near Mountain View, CA,
it's the red one with the silver bootlid.
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