The clutch is a very simple mechanism. The driven plate has frictional material on its surfaces and is located on the gearbox input shaft splines so that, when it turns, the input shaft also turns. The driven plate is normally gripped tightly in a sandwich between the flywheel and the pressure plate (the latter contained within the clutch cover, and the pressure provided either by diaphragm or coil springs, depending on the type of clutch), so that when the engine turns over, the clutch assembly and hence the driven plate and gearbox input shaft also turn.
When the clutch pedal is pressed downwards, the clutch operating lever moves the release bearing which in turn pulls the pressure plate away from the driven plate, so releasing the driven plate from the sandwich between the pressure plate and flywheel and
disengaging drive to the gearbox.
During the course of a restoration it is as well to replace the clutch as a matter of course unless it is in very good condition. If the clutch in daily use develops problems such as a failure to disengage. dragging or slipping then try adjusting it via the large wing nut on the clutch operating lever before removing the engine!
When the clutch pedal is pressed downwards, the clutch operating lever moves the release bearing which in turn pulls the pressure plate away from the driven plate, so releasing the driven plate from the sandwich between the pressure plate and flywheel and
disengaging drive to the gearbox.
During the course of a restoration it is as well to replace the clutch as a matter of course unless it is in very good condition. If the clutch in daily use develops problems such as a failure to disengage. dragging or slipping then try adjusting it via the large wing nut on the clutch operating lever before removing the engine!
