12R clutches - different across models/g'boxes

[vanman]

Hi all

After the fun of changing the 12R motor in my brother's RN25 ute, we have encountered a problem - the clutch doesn't seem to be engaging. The system has been bled, the slave cylinder pushes in the same distance as it did before, externally everything seems to be OK, but the gears only change when the engine is not running... once the engine is running, I can't even crunch the gears in, except for reverse. Linkages are fine as the gears shift while engine not running, and we've tried adjusting the slave rod as far as we can in both directions, without change to symptoms - clutch just doesn't seem to let go

The replacement motor came from the wreckers and apparently came from another Hilux, unsure of model. The clutch plate looked to be the same as the one on his old motor and seemed to have the same amount of material left as the one on his old motor, so we assumed it to be the same and installed as is to save lining up the spline for the gearbox. Gearbox slid in perfectly so the spline at least is correct.

Question is - Do different models of Hilux with the 12R, or Coronas that run the same motor, have the same clutch plate/pressure plate installed, or are there different ones across the range of models or gearboxes? The ute runs a 4 speed column shift...

I would like to know if there are other reasons this might be happening too... What would cause everything to look as if it is working properly, but not actually disengage the clutch? The possibilities I'm thinking of are 1. different clutch, will have to replace or 2. clutch on repacement motor is seized in some way. Either of these options are not what I want to entertain, as we will then have to pull the motor again to change it.

Assumption is the mother of all Fuck-ups...

Any ideas out there of anything else I can try...?

Cheers
Vanman

[hemi twofifteen turbo]

The first thing is does it actually feel like a clutch when you press the clutch pedal in?
I'm going to assume it does or you would have mentioned it so this could mean either...

1. The pressure plate is frucked, (it happens sometimes, it just feels completly normal but no longer lifts as high as it should and so doesn't function)

2. some sorta problem with the spitgot bearing.

3. you bent the clutch plate sliding the box in on an angle, OR the wrecker bent the plate when taking off the old box (again not too likely but possible)

4. Throwout bearing is different (doubt it)


OR (and I hope it's this)

5. The old plate is stuck to the flywheel with rust or whatever from just sitting around at the wreckers, and when you disengage the clutch the disc is still spinning stuck on the flywheel. Best way to check for this (and fix it at the same time) is to stick the car in first with the engine off, push the clutch in and turn the key. If it's rusted stuck this will free it up and your in buisness, but otherwise start the car in gear, go for a drive, press the clutch in and use the brake to slow the car. If you can get the clutch to slip or at least some feel you might be in a better position to judge where it's at. Hope this helps!

[vanman]

Hemi

option 5 is what a mechanic has also suggested to my brother today, but to do it in fourth so there is a greater push on the clutch to let go, instead of just driving the ute forward in first... will give it a try and let you know...

+ rep for coming up with the suggestion though, had me stumped and didn't want to pull it apart again...

Cheers
Vanman

[vanman]

Winner!!!!

Wouldn't work with ute on ground, so i had to jack up and support rear wheels off the ground. Started it in first and clutchless changed up to fourth to get wheel and engine speed up then put clutch pedal in and put on the brakes to stop drivetrain while engine remained running. Had to do it a couple of times and do one violent brake to get it to break loose, but it all runs perfectly now...

Cheers for the suggestions...

Vanman