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Triumph TR6 - STRANGE NOISE FROM CLUTCH

I should put this on the tr3 page but I need as much coverage as possible.

I took the gearbox out of my '76 tr6 and installed it into my '61 tr3a (the 6 got an OD unit so it was very happy with the deal). Since the gearbox is 1/2" longer that the older gearbox, I had to modify the rear mount, however, except for that, it was a relatively easy swap. Although the tr6 gearbox worked fine, I did install new synchros.

Now my problem. when I depress the clutch, there is a loud, rhythmic clicking (or a clack/clunk) sound. The sound was severe enough that I only depressed the clutch maybe 6 times before I decided I better not chance more damage. I am totally confused with this problem. The gearbox and the car both worked fine before the operation, now this. If it is associated with the tr6 gearbox in a tr3, I can't understand why. I did use the sleeve and throwout bearing from the 3. Before I start taking everything apart, I would like to have an idea of what to look for

Any help would be appreciated.
Mike
Mike Parkhill

Mike, any more info such as rapidity of sound, EG engine speed, etc?
W/ clutch depressed, gearbox should not be turning so can/should not be tranny associated.
I'm thinking the TR3 has a different type clutch - could something in the throwout mechanism be touching where it should not ?

Peter
Peter Gooch

Peter,
The rapidity of the sound is hard to estimate but I would say 2-4 per second at slightly above idle. I did not fluctuate the speed of the engine to comfirm it went with that but I would assume it does. The clutch and pressure plate is slightly different than a 6 but basically similiar design. I used the the original clutch set up including the throwout bearing of the 3 so it would all match. I can't think of what would the throwout bearing be hitting although that is what it sounds like. I am at a total loss. I may have to get the car up on a lift and see if I can source the noise
Mike
Mike Parkhill

Mike, difficult w/o hearing it.Sorry I can't pursue this as I fly out tomorrow - would like to know the outcome.A loose damper spring (in cluch plate)can make a rhythmic clicking but only at idle - do you dare to rev it a bit to see if it goes away. If it's that, nothing to worry about, just an annoyance.Did you clean clutch parts up real good 'cos the goo and dust may have been holding it before. Just an idea,good luck, Peter
Peter Gooch

Peter,
Pulled the gearbox and found the problem. Stupid me, but lesson learned. For extra strength on the clutch fork, I drilled a hole and inserted a grade 8 bolt. I did this with my tr6 and it worked fine. What I did wrong was to insert the bolt with the head facing the gearbox and the nut and less than 1/4" of thread facing the pressure plate. Did not realize the tight tolerances inside there. The tip of the bolt was touching the three bolts on the outside face of the pressure plate and thus the clanking sound. Reversed the bolt and now no noise. By the way, on another note, which island are you on? Been to Kauai and the Big Island. Going to Oahu in Dec for 11 days. Can't wait, love it there except for the long plane flight of 13-14 hours.
Mike
Mike Parkhill

This thread was discussed between 02/09/2003 and 10/09/2003

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