2G Newb clutch/flywheel assembly question

[cutlass73]

When trying to put my engine & trans together to put back in the car, we were attempting to assemble the clutch, pressure plate and flywheel. I had the flywheel machined after I removed it to .612 as is reccommended. When the entire assembly is fitted together, there is about 1/4" gap between where the flywheel and pressure plate. It's supposed to be flush, correct? The clutch & pressure plate are ACT 2600 and the flywheel is a stock 7-bolt.

 

[spyder97gs]

Well since your calling it a newbie question, I'll ask this dumb question. You DID have the clutch disk between the flywheel and pressure plate, right? And torqued the PP bolts to 22-25 ft lbs?

 

[cutlass73]

Yes, the clutch was in between and no we didn't even put the bolts in because of the huge gap between the pressure plate and flywheel. Unless that gap is supposed to be that way until we tighten it down?? This is the first clutch I've ever done, however we have a former Mitsu tech working with us and he said it wasn't right.

 

[wortdog]

If there was no gap, there would be no pre-load from the pressure plate onto the clutch, and the clutch wouldn't work at all. Just slowly work your way around the pressure plate bolts in an alternating pattern tightening them a little bit at a time. If you just start torqueing them down all the way one by one, you could warp the pressure plate.

 

[spyder97gs]

If there was no gap, there would be no pre-load from the pressure plate onto the clutch, and the clutch wouldn't work at all. Just slowly work your way around the pressure plate bolts in an alternating pattern tightening them a little bit at a time. If you just start torqueing them down all the way one by one, you could warp the pressure plate.

Exactly. I turned each about about a turn each time until I reached the right torque. Took a few minutes, but its worth not warping the PP. The fingers will come closer with each turn.

 

[cutlass73]

Ok, thanks guys. I just thought the amount of gap there was incredibly large. It's funny that the guy who's helping me work on it thought it was unusual. I mean, he has changed a clutch in a DSM before...

 

[spyder97gs]

Ok, thanks guys. I just thought the amount of gap there was incredibly large. It's funny that the guy who's helping me work on it thought it was unusual. I mean, he has changed a clutch in a DSM before...

Don't really know what the mitsu tech is thinking. But if there was no gap, your clutch would be burnt up very quickly. It's mean to have pressure placed on it, to enage the gears. Makes sense I think, Good luck.