Here's my experience with Roller T.O. bearing:
Last year when I installed the new engine, I too went for the extra $$ &
installed a roller (brand new). 700 miles later I removed it as it was
totally fried (I do NOT ride the clutch. But, the bearing was blue from
overheating.). I replaced it with the old carbon one I had in for the
previous few years. During the course of the year (July '02 to July '03) I
had the engine in & out a total of 5 times to replace various clutch parts.
At one point, I noticed that the bearing carbon was wearing off-center. I
then re-examined the roller bearing & saw that there were tiny "swirl" marks
on its face from grit between it & the pressure plate. That got me thinking
that the bearing wasn't centered. (Brilliant, Watson! A little slow on the
comprehension?) On further investigation I found that the t.o. arm was from
the early trans. And, when I switched to a 4-synchro box a number of years
ago, my (then) trusted mechanic had used the old arm. DUHHHH!!! It's
different, fella! It's about 1/3 inch difference in length. THAT WAS WHAT
CAUSED THE ROLLER BEARING TO FRY.
So, would I use one again now that I have the correct t.o. arm? Perhaps IF
I had a way to adjust it away from the face of the pressure plate when
retracted. With the stock hydraulic system, that isn't possible without
rigging a spring & stop. If anyone comes up with a system. Let me know.
I'm willing to give it a try. I have another roller t.o. sitting around
waiting for a solution short of a Tilton system.
Norm Sippel
'66 MGB
/// or try http://www.team.net/cgi-bin/majorcool
/// Archives at http://www.team.net/archive
|