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72 Hour Rivergate Conversion Challenge

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I wanted to update everyone on what's going on. This morning I finally had some time to work on the car again. Reattached the muffler to the exhaust pipe, filled up the radiator, reattached the distributor cap, plug wires, and connected the coil.

I noticed the alternator wasn't tightening up like it should, and discovered the top ear had broken completely in two! Luckily I had another one and mounted it. I'd like to perform a GM alternator conversion, just not today.

Double-checked my connections and connected the battery. Attempted to fire her up. She turned over just fine, but wouldn't start. One slight cough out the carburetor and I realized I had the plug wires on wrong. Got that sorted and fired right up no problem. Sitting there idling she sounds really sweet!

The next project is getting the Rivergate CNC clutch slave bled, again, double-check connections again, and then a test drive through the neighborhood.
 
"test drive through the neighborhood." ... can you get to fifth gear in your neighbourhood?
 
Right now I won't be driving anywhere, as I'm having problems with the clutch...I think. The pedal feels very soft even though I've bled the Rivergate slave cylinder. When I was under the car I had my wife pump the pedal and the clutch fork was moving, so the cylinder had pressure. It seems awfully weepy around the rubber gaiter where the pushrod fits.

When the car is off I can move the gear selector in and out of gear no problem. With the motor running and the transmission in neutral the rear wheels are turning, which I know can't be good.

I tried adjusting the pushrod either way and it doesn't seem to do anything.

I'm seriously considering fitting the original MG slave and see if that makes any difference.
 
O.K, when you broke the line loose, did you just the all the fluid run out of the m/c or did you plug it off?
 
Got to fiddling with the clutch slave and that pushrod. I decided to start turning the rod in toward the car. Finally the clutch engaged! About 12 more half turns with the screwdriver and I was able to get it to engage with every gear.

Let the car off the jack stands and took her for a test run. I'll have to work with the carburetor and get it reset, but it shifts smooth. I wasn't able to go fast enough in the neighborhood to engage 5th gear, but that will soon come.
 
I will say this about the new clutch slave. The catch and release spots are really short. Maybe with a little more adjusting of that rod and I'll have it where I want it to be.
 
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