Blinky gets a new clutch!
On Septemeber 1st, 2002, Blinky died in downtown Charleston. I had it towed home, and started to look into the problem. It appeared that the clutch would not engage. After some investigation, I determined that the release bearing in the transmission was shot. I decided to order a new clutch kit, because if I was going to have to pull the engine, I might as well do it all. Here it is in pictures.
Blinky lined up with the ramps.
Pulling the engine. Notice the welded manifold. A common problem.
The engine is out!
Something is not right with the release bearing!
The problem, up close!
I bet this catalytic converter really works well!
This engine mount half explains why the engine vibrates so much.
And this one explains the other half!
Blinky at rest! Early morning the next day!
Gee, which bearing is the old one?
Gee, which clutch is the old one?
The new clutch is fitted. Notice the alignment tool? It really helps.
New release bearing fitted and bell housing cleaned.
Blinky rides again after a bath!
Installing a new clutch is not that hard in an MG. It is time consuming so plan a weekend to do it. The longer the engine has been in, the long it will take to get it out of the car. Remember to have a lot of cardboard handy to place the parts you are just swinging out of the way from the engine on, to save your paint job. Plan to get the car greasy, and be prepared to clean it afterwards.
Make sure to take it easy on the car until you get the clutch broke in. It will take a couple of hundred miles to do it.
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