I have recently attempted to replace the clutch in my 1936 12 and came across an issue with clutch not releasing.
The car was troublesome last year when selecting gear but liveable. Put the car away for the winter and in may tried to get her out for a run but the clutch was completely locked up. After trying to free up the clutch with the car up on jack stands I decided to pull the gearbox. The old clutch and toggle springs were in bits in the bell housing. So new clutch, pressure plate and trust bearing ordered and fitted.
However the new clutch and pressure plate are thicker than the old units and on fitting I noticed there is no room for the plate to release when bolted down on to the flywheel. Having spoken to some older mechanics I know, they recommend shims on each stud on the flywheel. Not something I've come across before.
Has anyone come across this issue before?
Rover 12 clutch replacement
Re: Rover 12 clutch replacement
Have you spoken to the supplier? If memory serves, 1936 cars had a pressure plate with 4 fingers. If the new clutch has 3 fingers, some modifications may be needed. I haven't come across the shims advice before.
Mike
Mike
Re: Rover 12 clutch replacement
Hi Simon,
Originally your car would have been fitted with a four finger Roper & Wreak clutch and the smaller release bearing. However, changing to the later post ‘38 clutch was considered a worthwhile upgrade. As Mike says, this requires some changes that might include the flywheel studs/bolts and the release arm. Also, some early bell housings were too small to facilitate the later clutch.
First step, really, is to establish what you should have compared to what you are trying to fit. For detail on this, the RSR Worshop manual covers this subject so probably best to get a copy first and go from there.
For information, I have two 12s; the earlier ‘36 one has been fitted with the later clutch at some point in its life and the later ‘37 one has the original type like yours would have. Both operate very smoothly and I couldn’t recommend that modifying to the later design is worthwhile.
Good luck and hope that helps a bit.
Tony.
Originally your car would have been fitted with a four finger Roper & Wreak clutch and the smaller release bearing. However, changing to the later post ‘38 clutch was considered a worthwhile upgrade. As Mike says, this requires some changes that might include the flywheel studs/bolts and the release arm. Also, some early bell housings were too small to facilitate the later clutch.
First step, really, is to establish what you should have compared to what you are trying to fit. For detail on this, the RSR Worshop manual covers this subject so probably best to get a copy first and go from there.
For information, I have two 12s; the earlier ‘36 one has been fitted with the later clutch at some point in its life and the later ‘37 one has the original type like yours would have. Both operate very smoothly and I couldn’t recommend that modifying to the later design is worthwhile.
Good luck and hope that helps a bit.
Tony.
Tony Gilbert
P1 12 Tourer
P2 12 6 Light Saloon
Discovery 3
Discovery Sport
P1 12 Tourer
P2 12 6 Light Saloon
Discovery 3
Discovery Sport