Austin Devon clutch

[Clive]

Hi Everyone. My Devon has a clutch problem. When engaging 1st gear and let the clutch out, it starts to grip and then vioently engages and I shoot forward unless I disengage it.

However, if I engage reverse gear and let the clutch out, it engages normally.

Any suggestions please.

[Bruce]

Sounds as though clutch is on its way out. My Somerset used to do exactly the same thing. You had to set off in Second to avoid it. Turned out the plate was down to the rivets.

[Clive]

Thank you for your reply Bruce. I was worried that might be the case. Not looking forward to doing it.

[MikeN]

I’ve recently had the engine/gearbox out of my pickup ( which is like half  a Devon) and replaced the clutch. The book says you can get it out after removing the radiator. Which you can, Just about. However, It becomes a lot easier if you take the radiator grill out as well. You have to hang the engine from the front lifting eye only, so the back end of the gearbox hangs down. It’s quite a long job with lots of bits to undo.

[Clive]

Thank you Mike for your reply, It is my intention to take the gearbox out, leaving the engine in situ. Can be done according to the Workshop Manual, if the gearbox covers are removed first. Think I will wait until the weather warms up though.

[Clive]

Bruce – Did you just replace the clutch plate, or the complete clutch assembly?

Cheers – Clive.

 

[Clive]

Well, the gearbox is out from underneath, a bit of a struggle, but not too bad.

The cause of the grabbing was two fold. The lining of the driven plate looked strange and was very shiny, but not down to the rivets, plus the centre of the plate was very loose and rattled, which is what was causing a knocking noise from near the bell housing.

It is all back together now and the clutch is working perfectly, which is a great relief.

Now for the oil leaks…

[Author]

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