Replacement Clutch dilemma !

[Cloggie]

Folks,
Wonder if anyone out there can help with my challenge.

After another "technical problem filled" event at Abingdon, I managed to burn out the Clutch on my Alitalia car, and it now needs replaced.

I've not had a lot of luck with the Clutch in any of my cars (They've not had long lives, and I don't believe it has anything to do with my left foot!) so I wondered if anyone has found a Clutch Manufacturer with a good quality replacement for a 1991 12V 3L Alfa 164 Cloverleaf engine. If so, do you have the source and approximate price for the kit?

I've found a number of options ranging from 140 to 195 GBP for a Lockheed version, but I want to make sure I'm not getting a "chocolate" one again....

Any thoughts or advice would be welcome.

Regards,
Nico/

[tryphon]

Nico,

Any serious specialist will be able to replace the organic material on the clutch with sintered pads, these are virtually indestructible.

[GaryFitz]

I agree with Trypoon - indestructable.

[roger001]

For an off the shelf answer OEM parts are Valeo and I have used these in my various Alfa engines with out problem. (The Clover leaf 12v clutch is the same as the 24v)

[chris.richard]

Is the clutch on the current 3.2L V6s compatible? They must be able to take a bit extra power.

Are you resident at Broughton now Nico? I'll take a run upfor a visit sometime as I need to get some mileage on the car. :)

[rutthenut]

You may want to get one of these
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ALFA-ROMEO-166-3-0-V6-24V-SPORTS-CLUTCH-KIT-SK-7598_W0QQitemZ260005499541QQihZ016QQcategoryZ43120 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem - but need to check if it is the same between 166 and 164

J.R.

[Sando]

Helix single plate paddle is my on/off switch. :)

[Martin K]

I was going to suggest Helix too. They solved my Honda clutch slip problem with a plate and a heavier cover. That was a one-off at the time and a very reasonable price too.

[Bob]

Hi Nico.You have a pm.

[Marmott]

I am sure you already have, but finding the cause would be a better route
I get 2 years out of a standard clutch , the car is only used for rallies.
Say typically 10 stages per event.
I assure you I am a typically lead footed android on the start line , thats a lot of standing starts , giving it welly off the line.

I can talk you through some thoughts if you wish
, im at home tonight
01460 61916
Gary

[Arthur]

Only had a small number of track days, plus 20K road miles - so far no problems.
When I bought the motor from Mike Buckler at Rusper Alpha, he fitted a Delta Integrale plate and cover - straight change as far as I know - all parts are direct fit. He reckons he does that to all the V6 motors he shifts - the clutch lasts a lot longer. It feels good as well - it isn't heavy, plenty of control on pedal lift, all of that.

I agree with the earlier observation, all the same - I'd have a good look around when the old one comes off. Any trace of oil will do the job, as will oil leaks from outside finding their way into the clutch housing, as will an incorrect or badly fitted release bearing, or indeed a wrongly adjusted (or modified/will-never adjust-right setup).

[rutthenut]

It is highly recommended to have the flywheel checked and/or skimmed once you have had clutch slip on the Alfa - if the surface is at all out of true then your new clutch will slip too.

J.R.

[carlsberg]

its all very well replacing the clutch with a new one but more importantly you have to find out the reason for the demise of the old one first.

I used my car at a sprint last weekend and the clutch started to slip on the final run.
The cause.... the slave cylinder had started to hydraulic lock and would not let the clutch arm fully retract. Need for adjustment on the slave cylinder mounting (the car ran perfectly on the road for 1000 miles with no symptoms of this)

My new clutch is a sachs unit costing £145 being fitted before another outing this weekend

hope this helps

chris

[Cloggie]

Hi thanks for the advice. will try new slave then go for new clutch. thanks for all the input. N/

[rutthenut]

Helix single plate paddle is my on/off switch.

Care to indicate price and source for this clutch?

Also, is this fitted with the 'push' (12V) or 'pull' (Clover/24V) clutch arm?
Or does it have a different actuating part and release bearing too?

J.R.

[Sando]

Care to indicate price and source for this clutch?

Also, is this fitted with the 'push' (12V) or 'pull' (Clover/24V) clutch arm?
Or does it have a different actuating part and release bearing too?

J.R.

Hi John
Push type 12v 164 box. But it had already been fitted by Trevor and Auto Integrale when they converted to the manual box.....another reason why I had to buy the Kappa engine from him! :) :) Trevor, or Keith at A-I may be to point you to which parts they used.

Bernard now has gone Helix in his car (not sure which type of box his is now though) but he should be to tell you the wallet damage and bits he bought. I think you may have to sit down when you read his reply though.....it was a bit more expensive than he was expecting in the end.

Cheers
Rab