Urgent problem with clutch/flywheel when fitting Rover V8 to Series La

[crayefish]

Hi all,

I have encountered a major problem when I tried to fit my Rover V8 into my Series Landy yesterday. I only have a couple of weeks before I need to move the vehicle (moving to Holland) so it's rather desperate time-wise!

So... I have a Rover V8 with all the usual kit to fit it to a Series Landy; Phillips adapter plate, modified engine mounts, 101 oil filter housing, spigot bush adapter and shortened crank etc.

I fitted the engine yesterday and after much swearing and cutting/welding of the bulkhead, the engine slotted in. I was very relieved! But then I went to press the clutch pedal... solid as a rock. I thought bugger... something has jammed up. After removal of the engine I found the problem. It seems that the clutch was at full travel and thus it couldn't go any further. At full travel it was only pressing the clutch fingers in a mm or two.

I thought I'd just modify the clutch arm but then I did some more measurements. It seems that the gearbox shaft isn't going into the engine/clutch plate far enough. Only the splines only engage on the clutch by less than 10mm. Even less on the spigot bush. That doesn't seem right to me. All in all, I think the clutch/flywheel needs to be 15mm further back to get proper clutch engagement and full depth on the splines.

I am using an SD1 flywheel (narrow) which came with the kit (second hand) and my original Series clutch which is relatively new.

Am I missing something here? Has anyone had this before? I really need a solution in the next few days :S

If anyone could help it would be most appreciated (and many pints bought for you if you live near London!). Posting this on a couple of forums so my apologies if this you see this twice!

[Hybrid_From_Hell]

Rr flywheel is much thicker. ..

1st prob

What's the clutch assembly ??

[Phil Hancock]

I have replied to this on another forum, IIRC we used a redrilled RR flywheel and a 2a diesel clutch and a bolt on spigot bearing housing with a Bill Philips kit.

[Hybrid_From_Hell]

^^^^

Wot he said

[smallfry]

As they have said, you need a Range Rover/Disco V8 flywheel which is much thicker which is correct for your conversion and will solve your problem.

HOWEVER, the RR type flywheel uses a 10.5 inch clutch assy which will NOT fit inside the series bellhousing. It will have to be redrilled to take a 9.5 inch clutch from a series 3.

DO NOT TRY TO USE AN OLD COIL SPRUNG CLUTCH COVER.

RR type flywheels a ten a penny (almost) but the SD1 flywheel should fetch at LEAST £50 if not more, so it should cover the costs.

Of course none of this is gonna get done quickly. You could extend the pivot ball as a temporary measure. I have seen it done, but it puts the release bearing near the end of its travel, and WILL fail, so I wouldnt recommend it

[FridgeFreezer]

Some kits come with extended clutch release bearings for SD1 clutches, my original V8 conversion did. Having the wrong one could render the clutch either always engaged or always disengaged, depending on the combo.