McLeod twin disc clutch problem

[AceOfHearts]

Just got onto installing my new McLeod twin disc but after bolting on the intermediate 'floater' ring the bottom disc does not spin freely as it should, and is actually lightly clamped to the flywheel. Looking on the McLeod website it should have 0.020 to 0.025 clearance.

Anybody else experienced this? I will call Real Steel tomorrow as well. For an £850 piece of kit I would expect better

[AceOfHearts]

It needs the clearance so the clutch can release. Once the pressure plate is bolted on the clearance will be taken up.

https://www.mcleodracing.com/content/tech-article/...

https://youtu.be/rWX6zKIGLaI

(video at 5:10 ish)

[AceOfHearts]

Yup i even took photos at every stage and was very careful so i know everything is correct

[AceOfHearts]

Ive sent McLeod an email with pictures so hopefully they will come back with an answer. I can't really justify £1.50 a minute to call them

I will give Real Steel a call too to see if they have had this before.

[AceOfHearts]

Yes the flywheel is flat. It is one of these:

http://tvr-parts.com/tvr-parts/part-details/tvr-e0...

I will have another check tonight to see if there is anything silly I have missed but i'm sure I haven't. Looking at similar problems online it seems like I might have to shim up the floater plate, but then im worried that this will make it too tight against the top friction plate.

Hopefully I will get a quick reply from McLeod and I will keep you updated.

[AceOfHearts]

Had an email through from McLeod at 8am California time (an hour ago) which reads:

'Lewis,

Do you have a contact phone number you can be reached at?

This is a complicated answer that deserves a phone call.'


Sounds like it could be juicy and I am looking forward to the call now

[AceOfHearts]

Just got off the phone with McLeod. Checked thicknesses of everything and all is in spec, nothing is warped so the tech guy Billy was still quite baffled. Very friendly guy though and really wanted to help. I have just taken a quick video of the issue for him but otherwise he said to get in contact with Real Steel and arrange a replacement.

The plot thickens!

[AceOfHearts]

Yep it really shouldn't be clamped up. I would rather wait until i get a resolution from Mcleod before having to do the job for a 3rd time.

This is how it should be:

https://youtu.be/_oWwLi6DYKg?t=9m25s

[AceOfHearts]

Well I have found quite a few issues. Real Steel are being very helpful, McLeod not so much at the moment.

The main problem which I have found today is that the flywheel side friction plate is not flat. I think this is where all my clearance is going

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fFOzVldrFs

Another email to be sent and hopefully I can get some replacement friction plates asap. The car has been off the road since Christmas

[AceOfHearts]

Email was sent last night so I am awaiting a reply today. I have copied in the contacts at McLeod too in case they have anything to add.

I have missed out some detail on the thread but online McLeod recommend a 20 - 25 thou clearance between the floater and bottom friction plate when all assembled. I have measured the thickness of the friction plate, floater and conversion plate which bolts to the flywheel and the way it has been manufactured only leaves a theroretical 8 thou clearance, never mind the bow in the friction plate!

So even when I get the new plates through I will probably need to shim the floater out 0.3mm to get the required clearance.

I will get there eventually

[AceOfHearts]

New (flat) friction plates have arrived and all seems well

[AceOfHearts]

Yep hats off to Real Steel, they sorted it all out, radio silence from McLeod unfortunately

[AceOfHearts]

LongBaz said:

Well clutch is out and I have the same problem, the bottom friction plate is warped. Been on to Real Steel and awaiting a reply.

Only just seen this!

I was debating whether to put a thread up at all, but glad I have now if it helped you out