Jarrid,
Many other engines were designed with full circle thrust surfaces that are
part of the main bearing (like the Ford small block V8) and do not rely on
surplus (splash or dribble) oiling for lubrication as our engines do. I have
installed the roller version throwout bearings in several Sunbeams, and it
hasn't made a difference in cranking speed.
Thrust clearances are critical: as the crankshaft is forced forward by the
clutch springs, the distance it can move is supposed to be determined by the
thrust washer clearance and if that clearances is too large, the con-rod big
ends move to the side of their journals and the edges of the bearings drag on
the radii adjacent to their counterweights and they become the limiting
devices. Years ago, I saw a 1600cc that would not crank at all with the
clutch pedel down but it started fine with the pedel up: the center thrust
washers had dropped out of place into the sump and the con-rods were holding
the crank in situ. The crank thrust surfaces were history, but the engine
ran. Amazing, but true!
I think that because our batteries are located at a distance from the starter
motor, and we have (marginal at best) Lucas starters, it is unfair to compare
an Alpine to say a Subaru with the battery under the hood, and a high-torque
gear-drive starter motor, however, they suffer from the same problem at high
mileage and are best started with the clutch pedel up as well.
Jim Leach, Seattle
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