[alfa] Re: Clutch Replacement

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

Hi Marc:

Rule #1, disregard most of what you read in any IAP catalog, and buy most 
parts elsewhere.  This couldn't be more true than in the case of the IAP's 
clutch parts.  They're selling sub-standard rebuilt parts that no one needs 
to have on their Alfa.  Use ONLY an OEM Sachs clutch, such as from 
Centerline, Alfa Parts, Paul Spruell, etc.  Spruell regularly sells the 
Sachs kit for around $180, and that's real OEM and all 3 pieces.  IAP's 
"OEM-quality" isn't OEM, and I should probably repeat that a few more times 
for emphasis.  The throwout bearing is the same thing as a clutch release 
bearing, and for what it costs, always use a new one.  Don't forget to get 
a clutch alignment tool from Spruell for just a few $ more (it might even 
come with the kit).

http://www.paulspruell.com/parts/parts.html

Your flywheel MAY need resurfacing, ONLY if it needs resurfacing.  That 
means if it's damaged or otherwise out of spec.  Driving with a slipping 
clutch might damage the flywheel friction surface.  Alfa factory manuals 
have never recommended resurfacing a flywheel just because they want to 
improve profit margin, and that seems to only IAP's recommendation.

Finally, I've got no idea what Pat was thinking, when he said to pull the 
engine/gearbox as a unit.  I can easily drop the gearbox out in less than 2 
hours, by itself, and by myself.  If you haven't done it before, figure 
three times a long, but it's a basic and straightforward job.  Having said 
that, if I needed to pull the engine for repairs, I'd always pull the 
gearbox with it.

If you get into the job and need more help, please ask, and if you need 
other parts sources, do the same.

Regards,

Dean
Lutz, FL
'74 & '87 Spider Veloce's


At 03:37 AM 9/23/2003, you wrote:

> Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 23:43:29 -0400
> From: "Marc Grenier" <giulia2000@domain.elided>
> Subject: [alfa] Clutch Replacement
>
> I am the proud owner of a 74 GTV 2000 which is beginning to show signs of
> clutch slippage.  Assuming that I will have to replace the clutch at some
> point in the not to distant future, I have a few questions for those digesters
> who are a bit more mechanically knowledgeable than me.  Any help would be
> greatly appreciated.
>
> First question concerns the flywheel.  Some suggest it should be re-surfaced
> and even re-balanced when replacing the clutch.
> I would think that re-surfacing is essential but what about the extra machine
> shop cost of re-balancing the wheel as well.  Any views on this?
>
> Second question concerns a recommendation made by the late-Pat Braden in his
> Alfa Owner's Bible.  Pat wrote that to replace the clutch, one should remove
> the engine and gearbox as a unit form the car.  "This may seem unreasonably
> major, but, having personally tried removing the engine and the transmission
> individually, I can assure you that the removal of both items as a unit will
> prove to be the fastest way to get the job done."  (Braden, Owner's Bible, p.
> 151).  Do you agree?
>
> Finally, Braden also suggests replacing the "throwout bearing" at the same
> time when replacing the clutch.  I checked the IAP parts catalogue and they
> list the following as transmission bearings:
>
> - - the front input shaft bearing
> - - the rear input shaft cage bearing
> - - the front main shaft bearing
> - - the center main shaft bearing
> - - the rear main shaft bearing
> - - the front lay shaft bearing
> - - the rear lay shaft bearing
>
> Perhaps the answer is obvious to most but which one of the above corresponds
> to the "throwout bearing" that Braden is referring to?
>
> Marc Grenier
> 74 GTV 2000
> Ottawa, Canada
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