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Clutch hydraulic woes

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Just my humble opinion.

That's a Datsun engine, trans and slave cylinder. It was working and suddenly it's not. To me it sounds like the pressure plate (diaphram type) has broken and forced the T/O bearing back. This would give a soft clutch and appear as though there is air in the system. All the bleeding in the world won't help that. It most probably needs a new clutch pressure plate.

To check it, I think you can use an inspection light and look through the clutch fork access hole. But don't expect to see much. One of the clutch fingers would be a little depressed from the others. Or yank the engine out. It really doesn't take that long. And the Datsun engine is really quite easy. (in a Datsun)
 
I am also thinking it is the clutch itself (TO bearing or pressure plate). I have bled the clutch before......not saying that I did a great job, but I got a working clutch after doing so. This time I got nothing. I used a one man bleeder thing and am pretty sure I got most, if not all, the air out.......I will try the above methods too though.

Unfortunately, it is all a moot point......I busted an axle on my way to my parents house and the Bugeye is now out of commission. I had a feeling it would break too.....it was a used one that I removed many months ago because it was slightly twisted. Since I couldn't find anything I had no choice but to use it.

Thanks.
 
How are all you guys breaking axles? I think my brother has a spare one and I should get it just in case. The only british vehicle I ever broke an axle in was a land rover and I had been fording a creek pulling a trailer all day.
 
Hehe, my wife broke a Bugeye axle many years ago. I keep a spare just for that reason.
 
regularman said:
How are all you guys breaking axles? I think my brother has a spare one and I should get it just in case. The only british vehicle I ever broke an axle in was a land rover and I had been fording a creek pulling a trailer all day.
Click to expand...

Part of my problem is the extra power in the Datsun engine (mildly worked 1500cc) . I haven't had it dyno'd, but it is at least twice that of a stock Bugeye (I'm guessing it may be close to 100 HP). Plus, I drive it "spiritedly" more times than not, so it's my own fault, really.

I had some spares that came with the car, but now have used them all up.....I haven't been able to find any Spridgets in the junkyards lately, otherwise I would have already had another set of spare axles. I did find a rear end from a '71 Midget (I want the 3.90 diff), but it has wire wheels and the axles are different. My next purchase (after a new clutch!) will likely be the competition axles that Moss, VB and other places sell. Very expensive, but I doubt that I will snap one of those....at least I would hope not!

Anyone have suggestions on a good clutch?? I can get an el cheapo kit for $75 or I can get a Centerforce for $175. I have no experience with Centerforce.....is it worth the extra $100? I don't want to be doing another clutch job next year, so I am leaning towards the Centerforce (although more expensive doen;t necessarily equal better).

Thanks.
 
Here are a couple of pics of the clutch hydraulic line (stock 1275 is the short one) and the modified Datsun slave cylinder. I have a 1" slave from a 1275 on order and will be adapting it to my car in hopes of it working better. Of course, I need a new clutch as well, but it'll get there eventually. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

I'll post pics of the chewed up axle later.....I've managed to bust 3 in the past 6 months or so. I think I'm cursed!

6948_.jpg


6949_.jpg



Here's a shot of the cruise to Estes Park.....luckily, the axle didn't let go up there!

6950_.jpg
 
Ahhhh...Estes Park. Pretty place. Spent alot of time up there in my youth. Took the wife across Trail Ridge back in 1980. She didn't really care for the views....hahahaha
 
Nice nice photo. Thanks.
 
Mike
Check out "Drivewire.com" for the Datsun clutch stuff. I found that everything that I needed was in-stock and significantly less expensive that NAPA and delivery was ridiculously fast.
Bill
 
Billm said:
Mike
Check out "Drivewire.com" for the Datsun clutch stuff. I found that everything that I needed was in-stock and significantly less expensive that NAPA and delivery was ridiculously fast.
Bill
Click to expand...

Very cool! Thanks for the link.....it looks like they have a clutch kit for $66 and free shipping to boot! Thanks. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif
 
I had Bill Hays make me clutch for my 6 back in 86. The clutch has been transferred over through two other 6's. Well over 40K on it and I drive it hard.

Bill's son in law runs Centerforce now. They moved from Midway City to Arizona.

I recommend Centerforce.
 
RonMacPherson said:
I recommend Centerforce.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your input. It looks like that "drivewire.com" website has a Centerforce clutch for my Datsun engine for $120 shipped. I might just go that route instead of cheaping out.....even though money is tight. I don't want to do this job twice!
 
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