Clutch - V8 (Description): Description and operation

Description

General

The clutch system is a conventional diaphragm type clutch operated by a hydraulic cylinder. The clutch requires no adjustment to compensate for wear.

Hydraulic clutch

The hydraulic clutch comprises a master cylinder, slave cylinder and a hydraulic reservoir, which is also shared with the braking system. The master and slave cylinders are connected to each other hydraulically by plastic and metal pipes. The plastic section of the pipe allows ease of pipe routing and also absorbs engine movements and vibrations.

The master cylinder comprises a body with a central bore. Two ports in the body connect the bore to the hydraulic feed pipe to the slave cylinder and the brake/clutch fluid reservoir. A piston is fitted in the bore and has an external rod which is attached to the clutch pedal with a pin. Two coiled springs on the clutch pedal reduce the effort required to depress the pedal.

The master cylinder is mounted on the bulkhead in the engine compartment and secured with two bolts. The cylinder is connected to the shared brake/clutch reservoir on the brake servo by a braided connecting hose.

The slave cylinder is located on the left hand side of the gearbox housing and secured with two bolts. A heat shield protects the underside of the cylinder from heat generated from the exhaust system. The slave cylinder comprises a cylinder with a piston and a rod. A port in the cylinder body provides the attachment for the hydraulic feed pipe from the master cylinder. A second port is fitted with a bleed nipple for removing air from the hydraulic system after servicing. The piston rod locates on a clutch release lever located in the gearbox housing. The rod is positively retained on the release lever with a clip.

Clutch mechanism

The clutch mechanism comprises a flywheel, drive plate, pressure plate, release lever and a release bearing. The clutch mechanism is fully enclosed at the rear of the engine by the gearbox housing.

A clutch release bearing sleeve is attached in the gearbox housing with two bolts and located on two dowels. A spigot with a ball end is formed on the release bearing sleeve and provides a mounting and pivot point for the clutch release lever. A dished pivot washer is located on the ball of the spigot. When the release lever is located on the ball, the pivot washer seats against the rear face of the release lever. A spring clip is located on the lever and the pivot washer and secures the lever on the spigot. A small bolt retains the spring clip in position.

The release lever is forked at its inner end and locates on the clutch release bearing carrier. The outer end of the release lever has a nylon seat which locates the slave cylinder piston rod. A second nylon seat, positioned centrally on the release lever, locates on the ball spigot of the release bearing sleeve and allows the release lever to pivot freely around the ball.

The clutch release bearing locates on the clutch release lever and the release bearing sleeve. The bearing is retained on a carrier which has two flats to prevent the carrier rotating on the release lever. A clip retains the release lever on the carrier. The bearing and carrier are not serviceable individually.