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BJ8 Transmission housing smoke

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4tecdog

4tecdog

Jedi Hopeful
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Had the transmission out of the BJ8 fitted new clutch kit inc pressure plate and thrust bearing along with a few other goodies, alloy oil pan, modified rear oil seal and geared starter (wow that makes a difference). First test run today 10 miles to check for oil leaks etc all good except I noticed a few wisps of white smoke escaping from the bellhousing actually coming from around where the starter is bolted on I don't think these starters make such a good seal around the flange as the originals do. No oil is coming from the tell tale and I did clean the housing before assembly, It is not a lot of smoke but took about five minutes to stop after quitting the engine, I thought at first it was the starter shorting but it's not, could it just be the new clutch bedding in ?
 
Probably just oil residue burning off the clutch plate etc from being handled during assembly . Electrical smoke has a very distinct odour . Especially when the magic is being released:smile-new:.
Take it for another drive , or put the car up on axle stands and run it through the gears etc to look where it's coming from . Be VERY CAREFUL of any rotating parts while your looking for the source ..
 
Thanks that's what I am hoping will take for another run and check it out, it's defiantly not electrical and the smoke was slowly drifting out from around the starter flange just like cigar smoke.
 
Yes thanks thought about that but only painted the exterior tranny housing nothing internal or on the block. There is new paint on the starter but that does not seem to get that warm compared to the engine and transmission.
 
Healey Nut said:
Probably just oil residue burning off the clutch plate etc from being handled during assembly ...
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I would hope not. ANY oil on the clutch disk, pressure plate or flywheel is a bad thing. All should be cleaned thoroughly with brake cleaner and a clean rag before assembly.

I've only done a couple Healey clutches, but never saw or smelled any smoke. I think this could be a problem with the starter.
 
You could be right, I was careful when installing the new clutch to ensure everything was clean. The starter is functioning great instant start so there is no undue load on the starter, The starter is brand new first time out so maybe there is something being affected by the engine heat, light oil on the bendix maybe? Just done another very short refuelling run with no smoke.
 
A good run completed today no smoke no oil leaks, the crank oil seal mod certainly keeps the garage floor clean. Just two issues someone might help with, one when after a run and the car is motionless it is sometimes difficult to select gear (any gear) without a lot of grinding noises. A new clutch has been fitted, could it be a lack of travel somewhere in the clutch release? The second issue is a rattle from under the dash area on steering at speed nothing appears to be loose and all bushes are good with no play in the front wheels when jacked up.
 
Just a thought is the clutch disk install the correct way around???
 
4tecdog said:
A good run completed today no smoke no oil leaks, the crank oil seal mod certainly keeps the garage floor clean. Just two issues someone might help with, one when after a run and the car is motionless it is sometimes difficult to select gear (any gear) without a lot of grinding noises. A new clutch has been fitted, could it be a lack of travel somewhere in the clutch release? The second issue is a rattle from under the dash area on steering at speed nothing appears to be loose and all bushes are good with no play in the front wheels when jacked up.
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A lot of guys have to bleed the clutch a few times before it's working properly. You may want to consider doing the clutch bleeding again. I believe MOSS has a good video about doing clutch bleeding but maybe someone will post their experience and a foolproof method for doing it.
 
4tecdog said:
... could it be a lack of travel somewhere in the clutch release? The second issue is a rattle from under the dash area on steering at speed nothing appears to be loose and all bushes are good with no play in the front wheels when jacked up.
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Yep. How far down does the pedal go before the clutch releases; 2-3 inches expected--if it goes farther than that you might have air in the line.

I've always had an occasional 'thunk' under the fascia on my BJ8 when I hit a large bump. Don't know for a fact, but I suspect the windshield wiper cable might be banging against the underside.
 
Yes looks like I need to bleed the clutch, not too bad this morning started her up from cold and selected gear ok I will check on the travel as you suggest thanks for your input Patrick and Bob. The ' thunk' seems to come on with steering only sometimes like something under the dash drivers side RHD.
 
Noticed the drivers side bonnet hing is a bit rattley when the bonnet is up also at the rear of the bonnet where there is a double skin this could be causing a thunky rattley kind of noise.
 
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