David,
I ran into a similar issue with my BT7 conversion. I was sure I was to have
Clutch slip forever. The problem actually went away on it's own believe it
or not. I drove it to the Oregon shindig from the Bay area. I attributed
it to oil on the disk or flywheel/pressure plate. I tried a shortened and
lengthened slave cylinder pushrod but ended up going back to the Smitty
provided one.
Be sure you are using the Smitty provided (thicker) clutch disk!!!!!!!! (my
guess at your issue)
I am having some strange noise that will require me to pull it before the
season kicks off again. I believe I may have used the wrong thro wout
bearing since the clips vibrate around 3200 RPMs (that's what my guess at
the sound is). I also get some chatter on clutch release about every 10th
disengagement only when starting from a stop. I also suspect I may have
some binding on the throwo ut bearing (not sliding well on the main tranny
output shaft. Hopefully I can find an easy fix.
It operates well, I just want to be proof positive what the occasional noise
is before I get 1000 miles from my garage.
I do not know if this helps. Can you describe the throw out bearing? Also
are you using the brass press in pilot bearing from Smitty? Did you modify
the bearing?
Tracy Drummond
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-healeys@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-healeys@autox.team.net] On
Behalf Of David
Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2006 6:55 PM
To: healeys@autox.team.net
Subject: Problems with a Smitty BN1 installation
Esteemed Listers,
Here's the condition: We are installing a Smitty's 5 speed conversion
kit mated to a Toyota W58 transmission into my '54 BN1. We're using a
Toyota throwout bearing and assembly made for the transmission. We've
installed a new BN1 pressure plate and a new Toyota clutch disk.
Here's the problem: When we bolt transmission/Smitty's bell housing
against the block, the throwout bearing is forced against the pressure
plate to the point that the clutch begins to slip. The distance
between the bell housing and block appears to be a good 1/8 of an inch
gap. Snugging up the bolts brings the block and bell housing
together - but then the clutch begins to engage. We had to enlarge
the throwout arm port in the bell housing to even make it possible to
get any forward/return throw on the throwout bearing assembly. We've
used the proper parts that Smitty listed. However, Smitty's
instructions show a diaphram type clutch pressure plate. Is that what
one should use? What part numnber? Will it fit a BN1?
We've had the transmission in and out of the car now four times.
We're getting tired.
Question: Have any of you who've made this conversion run into this
problem? If so, how did you solve it?
Your help here is greatly appreciated!
David
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