348 clutch install problem

put the car in 4th gear and push the car forward whilst pushing the pumpkin further on.

and of course you properly centered the clutch plates so I don't have to mention that!

and did you try to move the clutch plates of the splines to see if they are correct?

I ordered an aftermarket clutch plate from superformance.co.uk which did not fit initially as it was too tight and had to take some material away

 

Have you loosened off the bleed nipple so your not fighting hydraulic pressure?! LOL

 

There are 2 sets of splines that need to be lined up on the shaft. If you did not buy the expensive clutch centering tool and used a socket instead.....like l did....the splines will not line up and the pumpkinwill not go in the last inch. What you do is pull the pumkin back an inch or so....enough to get your fingers in and slightly turn the.clutch assembly.....push the pumpkin back in. You may have to do this a few times but it will line up and slide home.

 

I used a long screwdriver to rotate the shaft a bit to make them match up. I did think it might be that but suggested the hydraulics as the pumpkin looks close enough already.

Once the studs are through just tighten the nuts t draw it home.
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Your issue is that your discs are aligned enough to each other to get the shaft through but not centered enough to get the shaft into the pilot bearing. That's why it only goes to 3/4". Take it off and realign it. Try it until it goes on smoothly. It might take time but you can do it without a clutch alignment tool. When it's right, it will slide on like it slid off. No need to push the car, shift whatever or do anything after you have the splines through both discs.

 

I didn't use any alignment tools, it was a little fiddly but eventually the pumpkin went on (also dual plate set up). I turned one part through the pumpkin rear slots, seemed to help alignment.

Perseverance will need to be high, also if using all new parts you can't rule out manufacture tolerances being wrong, I'm sure it happens?

 

I used an alignment tool but it was a cheaper plastic one. I'm going to loosen the clutch bolts and reset the discs again with the tool and see what happens. The motor is out so there's no fluid in the throw out. We used a rubber hammer to no avail and I think it's catching on the second disc. We shall see how this goes.

 

good luck bro i hope the advice works please keep us informed and pics if you have to take it apart to alian it im doing my 348 clutch now myself got my nubs crossed for you

 

Whooah, lets back up. When you removed the entire clutch housing, did you pull out the inner mainshaft to replace the triple seals? Yes or no, check that shaft to make sure its seated by rotating it and pushing it in. The inner shaft should not rotate, if it did, it came out of its seating. Also, with new discs, flywheel resurface and new Hill TOB, you must check the clutch set-up height (SUH) for proper TOB clearance. Very important. One more thing, the new discs are marked for the 'heavy" spot in regards to balance. These marks must be 180 degrees opposite. Lining up disc splines and clutch tighten sequence it critical.

 

But to install the triple seals you have to push the shaft back in(& rock it).....there is no other way.
I can't see this is the problem....as it would be obvious just looking at it (if it was not set in the right position).
I still think that you need to align the 2 sets of splines......

 

This is for jochem00, I also bought a clutch plate from superformance.co.uk and it's to tight. What did you use or how did you take away some of the material to make it fit? Thanks

 

I also obtained a clutch plate (single plate for Mondial t) from Superformance in the UK and it did not fit initially. I filed the teeth a bit, mainly the top of the teeth, and it then fitted perfectly with even a little less play than on the old part (Valeo-type plate).

 

I recently replaced some seals on my 96 355. I didn't do any clutch work but I had a hard time getting the pumpkin back on all the way. I fought it for a while. I finally put the car on the ground rolled it a little and the thing dropped right on. I don't know why but maybe it had something to do with hanging in the air on the lift? FWIW.

 

By rolling with the car in gear, you are slowly rotating the engine propeller shaft which aligns the splines and the pumpkin drops in. You can also do it by hand.

 

Good to know!