Mating engine and gearbox

[Mark Robinson]

Do people apply any grease to the first motion shaft before inserting it into the clutch or leave it bare?

Thank you.

Regards
Mark TC4157

[Tom Lange, MGT Repair]

Assuming you replaced the pilot bushing, you would have soaked it in oil for a day or so to fill the pores for long-term lubrication. But to help with assembly I always put a VERY small amoujnt of grease on the nose; under NO circumstances do you want to use so much grease that it can be spun out and onto the clutch.

I also use a TINY amount of grease on the splines to help the clutch disc slide easily - again, not enough so that centrifugal force will throw it out and onto the clutch. I do that by putting a TINY amount of grease on a toothbrush and brushing it into the splines, and then wiping with a cloth.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair

[Mark Robinson]

Great. That's what I assumed.

Many thanks for your reply Tom.

Regards
Mark

[Steve Simmons]

I do the same - soak the bushing in oil, put a bit of grease on the shaft and then wipe just enough grease on the splines to give lubrication and corrosion protection without attracting a bunch of clutch dust and gumming it up. Usually I just wipe some grease on the splines and then wipe it off again with a rag, leaving just the thinnest film. I've even used oil on a rag before. If you don't leave the car sitting for long periods of time, then it doesn't need much to prevent sticking.

[frenchblatter]

Way back in the 60's we would apply a smear of white, high temprature grease to the splines. However, a couple of the lads ("lads"... the youngest was in his later 50s) insisted the splines and centre plate should be dry to avoid the dust from mixing with the grease and clogging everything up.

The centre plate moves about 1/16" along the splines so not much needs lubricating.

[Mark Robinson]

Thanks chaps.