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MG MGA - MGA clutch job poem

MGA clutch Job

Problem started slow and gradually got worse
My MGA I now have to nurse

Drive down the road and hit the gas
Other cars, I can no longer pass

engine speeds up, but car goes no quicker
Time for a new clutch, up, I better pick her

Pressure plate, disc and release bearing
Needs installation with skill and caring

Disconnect starter, clutch slave, and electrical wiring
Labour would cost plenty if someone, I was hiring

Unbolt motor and transmission mounts
Using rental hoist, so every minute counts

Hoist power train out of the car, at a steep angle
Engine and tranny, on a strong chain do dangle

Lower the four cylinder and gearbox slowly to the ground
Remove all the bellhousing bolts, hear the ratchet sound

Pull the gearbox from the engine back plate
Job is progressing smoothly, isn’t that great

Remove the clutch bolts evenly, a bit at a time
Look at clutch disc facings, now thinner than a dime

Degrease flywheel and pressure plate, scuff with 120 grit
Precisely where brand new clutch disc facings will sit

Bolt disc and plate loosely back into place
Use a centering tool, this is no time to race

Do not try to center the clutch disc by eye
Doing this will most likely make you cry

Make sure pressure plate bolts are torqued tight
Now new clutch assembly is installed right

Pry off spring clips that retain the carbon release bearing
To neglect replacement, future trouble, I would be fearing

Replace worn throw out pivot bolt, and install a new bushing
Need to soak in motor oil and then insert by hammer, pushing

Mate the engine and gearbox, using special care
Slight incorrect alignment, reposition just a hair

Gearbox finally sides right home, into place
Now you can see a great big grin on my face

Bolt the duo back together once more
All this effort has made my back sore

Hoist MOWOG pair back into car
Seems job completion isn’t too far

Don’t bump crankshaft pulley into paint job
Use some thought and TLC, you careless slob

Reconnect all dangling parts
Hook up battery, see if she starts

Been working all day, forgot to eat lunch
My stomach is grumbling, quite a bunch

Engine fires and runs, clutch feels good
Off to McDonald’s for some fast food


Written by Glenn Hedrich



Glenn

Glenn, you're doing a great job with these ditties, but I think you have too much time on your hands.;)
I haven't gotten to my clutch yet, too cold. I'm glad you have a garage to work in.
mike parker

Hi Mike. Actually, I do NOT have a garage to work in. My garage is very small. Once my MG is inside, there is, unfortunately, no room to work on the vehicle. The garage is good for winter storage only. Since the overhead garage door is the only way in, heavy and deep snowfalls make it impossible to access my MG until the spring thaw! Spring can't come soon enough! Glenn
Glenn

An MGA owner named Glenn
Spends winter locked up in his den
His intentions are right
But his poems are a fright
We all pray for spring once again!

my bad....:)
GTF
G T Foster

Hi G.T. Like I said in another thread, I think I have created a monster! lol Loved the poem! Mike: These poems don't take me long to write. I usually have them done in under an hour. Glenn
Glenn

Glenn,
Keep em coming. I have a two car garage (no heat), but what with an MG inside,three outside, two toolboxes, two outboard engines, hot tub in storage, woodworking tools, everything else, I cannot work in my garage either. I am hoping to build a new garage, and spring can't come soon enough for me either.
mike parker

Hi Mike. I dont suppose your MG would be allowed in the living room? I rebuilt my MGA engine on the Kitchen floor! Very heavy plastic sheet on floor first though. Glenn
Glenn

King Glen

Just spotted your bit about the rental hoist. I took the decision several years ago to buy one (cost £180 - not sure how many $Canadian that is). One of the best workshop purchases I made. I have had the engine out and in 6 times since then (equivalent to 12 rentals at £22 a time). I have also 'rented' it out to other enthusiasts, but I ask them to contribute in bottles of wine!

I note that your garage is small so maybe you do not have the room to store one. However, many hoists have foldaway legs and fully retractable arms for stowing away in a corner. Alternatively, do you have a strong roof joist for supporting a block and tackle?

All the best

Prince Steve
Steve Gyles

Glenn,
ANYTHING can be rebuilt in my home! I'm not married.(although that looks like it will be changing sometime in the not immediate future)
The problem is that the house is kind of full too. :)
I'm working on straightening that stuff out. I have a utility room at the back of the house that will allow rebuild of an engine fairly easily.
mike parker

This thread was discussed between 15/01/2005 and 18/01/2005

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