Re: Spider Clutch Replacement (Was: Clutchy Goodness)

["Dean W. Cains" <dwc@xxxxxx>]

Hi Mark:

Nice try, but during the clutch replacement my flywheel was properly 
resurfaced by a shop that has done the job many times, and the rear main 
seal is tight and dry.  And since you brought it up, if the two flywheel 
surfaces were off parallel, even by several mm's (a huge amount), how would 
that make the pedal feel softer?  It might induce slippage, but not a 
decrease in pedal pressure, which is a function of the diaphragm spring 
pressure.  Sorry, but I've found the quality of the IAP 105/115 clutch I 
purchased to be inferior to the Sachs parts, and others have agreed with 
that opinion, after installing the same parts in their cars.  Are these 
parts even new, or are they possibly rebuilt?  Why not just sell the Sachs 
for $180, as many others do?  The false economy lies in selling a cheap 
product and losing repeat business.

Regards,

Dean
'74 & '87 Spider Veloce's


At 02:41 PM 6/9/2003, you wrote:

> Date: Mon, 9 Jun 2003 11:33:43 -0400
> From: "Mark Lee" <mlee@domain.elided>
> Subject: Spider Clutch Replacement (Was: Clutchy Goodness)
>
> Hello All,
>
> A recent thread brought out a point about clutches that's important to
> reiterate: a proper clutch replacement includes refinishing the
> flywheel. Given the time and effort (or cost) it takes to get to the
> clutch, it's false economy not to do this when it's all apart. In fact,
> many clutch warranties, including IAP's, are not valid unless the
> flywheel is resurfaced at the time of installation.
>
> As most of you probably know, the 2-liter Alfa flywheel has an unusual,
> stepped shoulder where the pressure plate mounts (or, if you like, it
> has a recessed friction surface). Any time the flywheel is refinished,
> the shop needs to maintain the correct relationship between these two
> planes. Alfa's spec is 22.5mm +/- 0.2mm for this depth. To machine the
> shoulder, they need to pull out the locating dowel pins.
>
> Note that failure to maintain this simple but critical relationship will
> result in a "softer" pedal, higher engagement point, or slipping.
>
> And, don't forget to replace the rear main seal while the flywheel's
> off; a leaky rear main seal can cause slippage, too.
>
> Off my soapbox now <g>.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Mark Lee
>
> International Auto Parts
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