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MG TD TF 1500 - Clutch problem

I recently acquired a 52 TD from South Dakota of all places. I've been doing the usual work to bring it back to condition so I can drive it all summer, and have come across a problem I can't diagnose.

The clutch does not want to fully disengage. I have taken up a lot of adjustment leaving some play in pedal (with no slippage at speed), but still the clutch is letting the gearbox spin. I can shift without great problem into second, third and fourth, and throw it into to second before hitting first to sycro the gears, but even standing still the gearbox is still in motion.

Should I keep adjusting, if I do I am afraid the clutch will start slipping. Any Ideas?

thanks, David Balfour
David Balfour

Could it be that the clutch is not actually disengaging at all? If the car was stored for a long period of time, its not uncommon for the disk to stick to the flywheel. The "fix" is simple but brutal sounding. I'll be glad to pass it on to you if that might be your problem.
Jim Merz

Thanks for your tip, but I don't think that is the problem. It definitely releases some because it is not hard to shift.

Are you saying that it is stuck to the fly wheel and maybe in loose contact with the pressure plate????? Can that happen????? If so that may be the problem.

Dave
David Balfour

I never knew what the clutch plate stuck to (flywheel or pressure plate) but I do know that given enough time, the disc will stick to on or the other or both. Maybe the question I should have asked is: can you put it in first gear, at a dead stop, without grinding gears? If it grinds, then the disc might well be stuck to the flywheel and causing the transmission to keep turning. If it doesn't grind, then my first thought is probably not correct.
Jim Merz

The gears always grind when going into first because the clutch is not fully disengaging. The gear box is moving even when stopped with the clutch is fully depressed.

It does seem to be partially disengaging however, because it is not hard to shift the car into 2,3 or 4 when moving.

I don't think the clutch is completely stuck, because when it is depressed I can be in gear, rev the engine, and not have any significant forward movement of the car.

Does anyone have any other ideas?

dave
David Balfour

David - You didn't say if you have had the clutch components (disk, prissure plate, throwout bearing) replaced, but you may have a pressure plate that is out of adjustment and one side is running closer to the flywheel, in which case you will have to replace the pressure plate or find someone that knows how to adjust it. The other possibility is a gummed up pilot bushing that is driving the first motion shaft. Good luck - Dave
David DuBois

Is it possible to view this problem throuh the viewing hole in the top?

I just acquired this car and have not worked on the clutch yet. I would rather not deal with this until after our driving season in Chicago (sep or oct). Any other ideas?

FYI. My front brake cylinders were installed incorrectly. Foward pointing up and rear down. Thanks to this forum the car now stops in a reasonable distance.

dave
David Balfour

I dont think that you will be able to see anything through the "viewing hole" as you call it. Besides, to gain access to that plate, you have to remove about half the parts required to remove the transmission. If you are that far along, you might as well go ahead with a good inspection and drop the transmission. I know its a chore but since you found the brakes bassackwards already, the clutch plate may have been installed by the same "technician".
Jim Merz

One other thought I forgot to bring up and that is the condition of the two clutch operating rods and the lever on the oil pan. If they are worn badly and have excessive play in the linkage, then they might be the cause of your problems. Observing the action while someone activates the clutch pedal for you may tell you something. If it is a cable operated clutch, then I cant comment since Im not familiar with that setup.
Jim Merz

Was the car sitting for some time? I have seen a couple cases where the pressure plate and flywheel rusted,causing a lot of drag. Driving a bit, and/or disengaging while in gear, stopped, and revving the motor may free it up if this is the case (of course have car not pointed at anything with brakes set!). A grunch while going into first should not happen after flicking into 2nd to stop things, nor should the tranny turn while in neutral disengaged. The above comments are right on- dragging/loose or damaged pilot bushing, mis-adjusted or broken pressure plate most suspect. Lastly, make sure the motor mounts aren't rotten, weld on trans. mount box broken, etc.- if the motor moves quite a bit fore and aft while depressing clutch, that could be it. As expensive as trans. parts are, I wouldn't drive much until clutch fixed. Lastly, if you get into the clutch, forget about adjusting the pressure plate, change disk, plate, t/o bearing, check for loose forks, pivot arms, etc.
George Butz

This thread was discussed between 14/06/2000 and 18/06/2000

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