Well, this is odd, brand new Slave cylinder not providing enough throw.

[ninjaotter]

I've got a 1990 325is with a 5 speed transmission from a 1986 325es, shift linkage form the 1990, and the clutch/ flywheel/ pressure plate from the 1990. The flywheel has been resurfaced and lightened by a local machine shop.

First things first, it kept blowing slave cylinders. Brand new ones. Then, we figured out that the slave cylinders rod needed to be 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch longer. Once we got that figured out (which seems odd for me to begin with) the clutch was not wanting to bleed, and was extremely stiff. Even when the clutch was engaged shifting was extremely difficult. It didn't want to go into first and second gear. Or reverse, really. It seems like the clutch arm is bent slightly, or not seated correctly and rotating slightly when pressure is applied.

Anyone have any thoughts? Things I should investigate? Its drivable right now, but barely. In the next week or two, I'm going to drop the tranny and see if something's wrong with the throw out bearing or arm.

[dashboardmonkey]

You need the thicker throwout bearing to accomodate the deeper bell housing. In 1986 models they used a dual mass flywheel which was thicker. Thicker flywheel means deeper bell housing.

[ninjaotter]

You need the thicker throwout bearing to accomodate the deeper bell housing. In 1986 models they used a dual mass flywheel which was thicker. Thicker flywheel means deeper bell housing.

So I need an early model throw out bearing? Hrmmm...there doesn't seem to be one on Pelican parts, its all the same model. Do you happen to have a link to the part I need? Or is my only hope either replacing the tranny or switching to a dual mass fly wheel.

Thanks!
EDIT: Some sources are saying that I need a euro 323i throw out bearing. That sound right?

[jlevie]

As I recall, the bell housing on an ETA transmission is bit deeper than that used on an M20B25 engine to accommodate the extra thickness of the dual mass flywheel. When using the transmission with a M20B25 single mass transmission a thicker throwout bearing and slave cylinder with a longer shaft is needed. I sot of remember people saying that some E36 parts worked. Try a search.

[ninjaotter]

As I recall, the bell housing on an ETA transmission is bit deeper than that used on an M20B25 engine to accommodate the extra thickness of the dual mass flywheel. When using the transmission with a M20B25 single mass transmission a thicker throwout bearing and slave cylinder with a longer shaft is needed. I sot of remember people saying that some E36 parts worked. Try a search.

Cant find any reference to E36 parts, but it looks like a 323i throw out bearing and a shift rod joint from a late model (still trying to confirm this) will make everything gel.

I also found reference to needing a spacer, but that was in regards to an M42 swap, so I'm not sure it applies here.

EDIT: So the pending order list is a 323i throw out bearing, an E36 slave cylinder (to try), and a shift rod joint from a late model. I'm also looking for a new transmission locally, since that might be easier haha.

[LJ851]

The only piece you have wrong is the T/O bearing. Use the E21 323 T/O bearing and everything will work, i have the same in my '89 car except '84 trans.

[ninjaotter]

The only piece you have wrong is the T/O bearing. Use the E21 323 T/O bearing and everything will work, i have the same in my '89 car except '84 trans.

Only E21 throw out bearing I can find on pelican is for a 320i, I dont see a 323 mentioned...?

[SmokeE30]

You can also use the throw out bearing from a 533i if I remember correctly, I had to search around a little to find that info and part number when I swapped a single mass flywheel and clutch setup into my SETA

[LJ851]

Let me search for you OP.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=215361

And, http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=257593

[leaf...]

I'm having the same issue with my 86. Although, mine is completely stock. It seems like the slave is over extending, and it gets to a point where the pedal won't depress enough. Like it's binding on something. I've tried a brand new slave and clutch master. I'm about to pull the trans out of mine as well to see if the clutch fork is bent. I'll probably swap to an E21 TOB while I'm in there just in case.

[ninjaotter]

Let me search for you OP.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=215361

And, http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=257593

Thank you kindly good sir! In my searching, those links didn't turn up. I already ordered the throw out bearing from Pelican, otherwise I'd hit up your second link.

Cheers! I'll let everyone know next week what the results are!

[LJ851]

I'm having the same issue with my 86. Although, mine is completely stock. It seems like the slave is over extending, and it gets to a point where the pedal won't depress enough. Like it's binding on something. I've tried a brand new slave and clutch master. I'm about to pull the trans out of mine as well to see if the clutch fork is bent. I'll probably swap to an E21 TOB while I'm in there just in case.

Look at that first link i just posted. If you don't have the right combo of parts, you don't need the 323 TOB. Clutch forks are pretty burly, i would look at the plastic fulcrum on the other side of the clutch fork or your PP bolts are pulling out of your flywheel (not likely)

[seatown88]

Let me search for you OP.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=215361

And, http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=257593

Thanks for posting those links, there's some great information in there that answered some questions I had between ETA and i transmission. Seeing I have a mixed variety of them, I'm glad I know which T/O bearing I need for each transmission.

[leaf...]

Look at that first link i just posted. If you don't have the right combo of parts, you don't need the 323 TOB. Clutch forks are pretty burly, i would look at the plastic fulcrum on the other side of the clutch fork or your PP bolts are pulling out of your flywheel (not likely)

Yeah, it's really looking like I'm gonna have to pull the trans, which is something I really don't want to do. Ah well. Such is life.