Rover V8 clutch problem

[Taxirod]

I recently fitted a T5 manual to my Rover V8 (previously LT77) and a heavy duty clutch (paddle type).
No problem engaging gears, pedal doesnt feel any harder than before, but pulling away from stationary is a nightmare. At first I thought this was simply due to h/d clutch being either "off or on". Letting the clutch up smoothly is virtually impossible.
But a couple of times the clutch pedal has come back up, but the clutch is still engaged, no drive. I have managed to press pedal up and down a couple of times to get the car to move.

So, I'm wondering... could this be due to me using the wrong length pushrod from slave cyl to fork?
I used the same bits I had on the LT77. Could the fork be getting pushed too far and then being reluctant to return?

Vehicle has gone into storage for a while but I want to get it clear in my head how to tackle this problem later on.

Many thanks for all help.

Ian

[choppedblownpop]

I had to space my bellhousing about 3mm from the block,and then I spaced the slave away from the b/h about 5mm(used washers) I I didn't do this the clutch was always engaged !
I cut one pushrod down,but went too small,so I went with the spaced slave !
Mine used to be like an on/off switch,but changing to a different bore slave made it more drivable !
It does sound like your slave is on the way out,It should come back up

[fozwanger]

Paddle / puck clutches are generally brutal when trying to pull away

[Taxirod]

Thank you guys, I guess the first thing to do is try some spacers then. The slave cyl worked fine on the old box.

[DEVONMAN]

Are you using a Cosworth T5 or a TVR T5 or an American T5 ?

What did you do to the throwout bearing carrier to make it fit the shaft on the gearbox. The T5 shafts are not the same diameter as the LT77. Also the gearbox shaft on some TVR's is shorter and the carrier could tilt and jam at the end on full movement.

What bellhousing are you using?

If you are getting too much movement at the release bearing, the clutch diaphragm could tend to go over centre and not return. This would be due to a too large master cylinder or a too small slave cylinder or the push rod is too long and putting force/movement on the release system even before you touch the pedal. If the clutch clears right at the top of the pedal movement then this may be what is happening. You need to check the slave cylinder push rod and make sure it is not pushing the slave cylinder piston to the base of the bore when bolted in place.

If the master cylinder and pedal ratio is causing the clutch to move too much then you could put a limit stop on the pedal or reduce the diameter of the master cylinder.

As others have said, paddle clutches are fierce when engaging.

Regards Denis