[Healeys] Smokin' New Clutch

[Healeyguy at aol.com]

Listers
Just installed a new clutch in a friends BJ7. Actually used a BJ8 set  up, 
flywheel to release bearing. Must have done about 50 clutch jobs in the  last 
40+ years but this one had a different twist.  
 
Everything thing went back together without much fanfare. The clutch  
hydraulics checked out fine with full movement of the slave piston without  hitting 
the c clip at the end of the bore.  The car was still on jack  stands so we 
decided to give it a go. (Don't flame me for starting the car  on jack stands 
'cause they are really big ones!)
 
Started the engine and warmed it up. Fixed the bad ground on the regulator,  
the light got very bright all of a sudden and remembered the early emails on 
the  list about this problem.  Thanks! 
 
Restarted with clutch pedal fully depressed and after a few seconds smelled  
something burning. Smoke was coming out any available orifice in the bell  
housing.  The driveshaft, which was still fully exposed, was not turning  and the 
hand brake was off. Assumed the clutch disc was dragging but with no  
movement of the drive shaft and the fact that the gears can be selected at will  this 
seemed strange.  No unusual noises. Shut it off. Let the clutch up and  
started the car in neutral and the smoke does not emanate from said orifices.  
Start again with clutch pedal to the metal and bingo, instant smoke. Really  funky 
burnt clutch smell.
 
Anybody have a smokin' clutch before and if so did you find the  cause?  
Think it will seat in (burn off the offending bits) and go away?  Should I just 
close up the trans cover and tell the owner that there must be a  dead animal 
trapped in there somewhere? 
 
Let me know if you have any bright ideas.  Suspect I'll be pulling the  trans 
again shortly. 
Aloha
Perry



************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com