Transmission troubles
QI have a 1969 Honda N360 Mini with a twin-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke engine over the gearbox with the clutch on the end of the crankshaft – a bit like a BL Mini. After spending ages getting the engine to start and run properly, the transmission is now giving me trouble. Originally, the problem was that no gear could be selected without a lot of grating. After stripping the clutch, replacing the driven plate, putting everything together again and adjusting the free play at the pedal, everything seemed fine. The gears engage quietly and with ease, but only when the engine is cold; after it has warmed up, you lose all drive through the transmission no matter which gear you select, although the action of the clutch through the pedal seems normal. I have taken the clutch to bits again and all seems OK. Do you think it may be a fault in the gearbox or am I being paranoid? David Daniels
AAs you observe, the clutch assembly sits at the end of the engine/ transmission unit, in many ways similar to the old BMC Mini. One of the main differences is that all of the sections of the clutch are available separately.
You have replaced the driven plate, which is hopefully moving freely on the shaft, but as you do not mention replacing the other components, I am assuming that you haven’t replaced the diaphragm spring, clutch cover or pressure disc. Although I am sure you have checked it, the clutch cover on the Honda N360 is prone to cracking.
From your description I do not believe the problem is within the gearbox, but rather suspect that the clutch is not transmitting drive once the engine/ transmission is warm. This may be due to the weakening of the diaphragm when warm or because one of the other components is failing. I would also check that the external release lever is free on the pivot and that the collar and push rod are free-moving through the housing.