Abarth Stradale getting ready for 3MA14

[Thotos]

The people who remanufacture the Gamma clutches for us are http://www.precisionclutch.co.uk/. We send them old, rusty worn-out clutch assemblies and they come back looking brand new. And they are not expensive either. They should be able to sort you out.

[simon131]

Thanks Theo. Here's hoping.

The Abarth clutch isn't just larger diameter it has a greater number of springs in the friction plate too, 8 instead of 6, 4 of which are larger than the other two, so diameter isn't the only factor to consider when seeking a replacement.

[simon131]

Another pic of the complete assembly - note the short length of 'tube'. This should still be fixed in the gearbox! 

[sid131]

Simon what gearbox is in it same as any other 131?

[simon131]

It's not exactly the same as a 'standard' 131 box but some items are similar. We've managed to strip the sleeve out of a old noisy 131 5-speed box which looks the same so we hope will be ok.

I do have options for the 3MA run however -

1) Re-install the clutch as it is but with a new bearing and sleeve. There appears to be plenty of 'meat' left on the plates and it wasn't slipping so it'll probably be good for a few miles more yet. This then gives me time to seek out a new or NOS clutch kit.

2) I could use the orange Special, but it's rather 'untested' having sat virtually unused for the last two years.

3) I could use the yellow Special, but again this is 'untested' on such a long trip.

I lean towards 1) although I'd also like some day to take a Special 'back home'.

[Thotos]

I think the number of springs in tte friction plate is not a vital requirement and different makes might have different number of springs. The diametre and especially the number of splines though must be the same. Putting the same clutch back in doesn't seem that silly to me as it looks as if there's plenty of life left on the friction plate. But give Precision Clutch a call as just relining the friction plate will give you plenty more time to find a replacement assembly.  Is the bearing the same as standard 131 and will you change that?

[simon131]

Yes, funny that you should mention the number of springs......

I've basically spent the last few days trawling the 'net for a full clutch kit but to little avail, however I have found a Valeo friction plate on ebay.it listed for a 131 Abarth and it only has 6 springs, all of the same size. (Can't find the diameter listed in the advert unfortunately). It's my considered opinion that the Beta VX clutch that's fitted is itself a 'best fit' and is actually NOT to the original OEM specs, which just makes matters more clouded.

I'll certainly contact Precision Clutch and see what they have to say about timings and costs.

I believe the bearing is a 'standard' 2000TC bearing. 

[sid131]

Simon stick a 131 racing box in it & a new 215mm kit for this year & no probs i reckon? should work for ya & cheapest option??

[daverwd]

181260568060 Ebay item no.

It says 131 Abarth clutch ?180 .. Doesn't give measurements but maybe worth an email..

[daverwd]

Also Berni  Motori lists this part ..

Art.       Description   Application
ABA 2286         Sprung clutch disc ? 215mm.    124 Rallye
ABA 2287         Reinforced pressure plate ? 215mm.    124 Rallye
ABA 2291         Sprung clutch disc ? 228mm.    131 Rallye
ABA 2292         Reinforced pressure plate ? 228mm.    131 Rallye

BERNI MOTORI srl
Via Monte Vioz,7
26847 MALEO (LO)
Tel:0377 589138
Fax:0377 589142
Speaks English as he is from wales originally.. So no language problems

[simon131]

Thanks Dave.

[simon131]

I contacted Berni Motors in Italy only to be told that they won't deal directly with me and for me to contact 'their UK agent' Middle Barton Garage  So, I emailed Tony castle-Miller at MBG and he told me they don't actually buy their clutches from Italy as they are poor quality (!) and he then quoted me on a Helix fast-road unit, but unfortunately the wrong size  , so, whilst we are collectively looking for a clutch of the right dimensions (imperial 9 inch apparently) the 'old' clutch is being refitted with a new bearing and 'slider' - this at least will (should) enable me to use the Abarth for 3MA and give us a bit of breathing space in which to find a replacement unit.

[daverwd]

My god unbelieveable ... So Italy have the part but won't supply because there agent in England would have to sell it to you , BUT their English agent Middle Barton can't supply it & suggest an aftermarket replacement that won't actually be the correct one ..
I thought things like this only happened in ireland 

I would get back onto Berni Motori & explain .. If they have the correct unit some exception could be made...
After all it's a sale for them , money in the bank .

[simon131]

That's it in a nutshell Dave, yes. Amazing isn't it?

I'd have to say however that Berni Motors list the clutch but I've found that listing doesn't actually mean they've got it in stock! 

Anyhow, the fabulous news is that I've literally just heard that my Arbie is all put back together with a few new parts and a fresh MoT so I'm on the train to collect her on Monday! I seriously can't wait! I'm so excited to get her back - hate it when she's not in her usual space in my garage  She's part of the family....

Look out Italy here we come!

[sid131]

Good news then Simon