Dzus Dnuz - Page 4

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The Triumph Chronicles

Transmission Cover
Replacement/Repair
by Mort Binstock

     I recently pulled my transmission and replaced the clutch. While doing so, I discovered that the fiberboard transmission and drive shaft covers had deteriorated. My initial repair assessment was to replace both covers using plastic replacements from The Roadster Factor (TRF). TRF, at that time, only had the transmission cover in stock.

    Determined to complete the project in a timely fashion and not wait for the out of stock cover, I purchased the transmission cover and decided to repair my existing drive shaft cover. I purchased from TRF their plastic cover and its optional rubber gasket kit. I did not purchase their optional hardware kit as my hard-ware was in good condition.

    It took me several hours to prepare the cover for installation. First, I trimmed the rubber gaskets to fit then glued them to the cover base using Permatex High Tack gasket sealant. My cover had three access openings, two covered with a screwed on metal plate, one ringed with a rubber grommet. The TRF cover did not have these openings. I measured then traced these openings from the old cover to the new cover.

    Openings were quickly cut out using a Dremel and heavy duty cut off wheels. For those not familiar with a Dremel, it is a useful high speed rotary tool similar in function to a Dentist’s drill. I also used the Dremel this time with an 1/8" drill bit to drill the screw holes. These tasks were a success!

    I believe that the TRF cover is dimensionally identical to the original. However, and probably due to the new gaskets, the cover’s mounting holes did not quite match the TR’s. The two
holes were very slightly off, enough that the bolts would not thread into the car. I again used the Dremel this time with a metal burr cutter to slightly enlarge the cover’s holes. Now the bolts engaged the threads!

    I decided to repair the existing drive shaft cover using fiber-glass cloth. I purchased from my auto parts store fiberglass cloth and resin. I cut the cloth to fit over the existing cover. I laid it in place and painted it with the resin. The resin soaked through the cloth to also saturate the fiberboard cover. USE ADEQUATE VENTILATION as the resin is smelly and not good to breathe. The resin and fiberglass cloth hardened resulting in a sturdy cover.

    I hope that this chronicle article sharing what I learned will make our cover replacement or repair easier. It took me some additional time slowing my repairs to develop these installation and repair solutions. Instructions don’t come with the parts! I hope you are enjoying the summer and our TR!

Pictured below - Our own member Bill Emery

"AT SPEED !!!"

The Triumph Chronicles

Bleeding the Clutch
by Mort Binstock

    I wrote a Chronicle article around September of 1999 entitled, “Easy Bleeding The Hydraulics”. I now use an even easier and more effective technique.

    My reason for exploring better bleeding techniques is driven by my inability to easily obtain a second person to assist me. Two person bleeding is simple, easy , and effective. One person pumps the pedal, the other opens and closes the bleed screw. My approaches are designed for single person operation. I purchased from m automobile parts store a plastic check valve designed for bleeding hydraulic brakes. This check valve allows oil to flow in one direction. I then purchased 
appropriately dimensioned clear plastic tubing from Elmer’s Aquarium shop.

    The check valve plugs into one end, the other fits over the bleed nipple. So far I have only used this to bleed the clutch-hydraulics but it should also work for brakes.

    I fit the tubing end of this assembly over the slave cylinder bleed fitting, the check valve into the master cylinder reservoir.
Next open the slave bleed then start to pump the clutch pedal; slowly at first. Keep an eye on the reservoir level and top off
when necessary.

    Topping off will no longer be required once the plastic tubing fills with fluid. Pedal pumping can then become more vigorous.

    When the clear tubing is bubble free, pumping can stop, the bleed closed, and the hose assembly removed.

    I hope this technique will make our hydraulic bleeding easier and more effective. Enjoy our TR! - Mort

WPTA Calendar of Events
BCD 2002

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