Thread: Clutch enhancement for 300Tdi

I recently bought a 130 300TDi. The clutch in it definately has a heavier action through the pedal than the couple of "standard" clutches I've had in my 110 300TDi, and as you say, has a much nicer take up. I'm guessing it's simply from heavier springs in the pressure plate, therefore giving a tighter clamping action on the friction plate. Unfortunately I don't know what type of clutch it is.

James, it's interesting to see you mention a heavy duty fork. I am on my third one in 120 000 km in the 110. I didn't know there was a heavy duty option available so I machined up a little disc from some 1 inch steel rod with a "dimple" in it, then welded it over the back of the pivot point with a small piece of flat to support it.

i also replaced my clutch recently after having bought the 130 tdi second hand. I thought there was somthing wring with the existing clutch even though it had only done 40K.

I went to rovacraft and bought a replacement clutch, pressure and thrust kit. It was one of the famous european brands. Just before installation I was reading some threads on herre and it appears ther eis a heavy duty option available. I rushed back to them and asked, this time telling the boys there that it was going on a 130. 130 loaded is 3500kg plus trailer say 500kgs (unbraked), thats 4 tonne, I think thats more of a load than a 110?? any how From the back out came a another kit, all that was different was the clutch plate itself. Same amount of friction material but extra springs with in its construction, I think there may have been more rivets as well.

Put the whole lot together with a home made welded reinforced fork, the old one was already cracked at 40K!!!!! The whole thing seems to go really well now.

Hope this helps
Mal

Originally Posted by rainman

James, it's interesting to see you mention a heavy duty fork. I am on my third one in 120 000 km in the 110. I didn't know there was a heavy duty option available so I machined up a little disc from some 1 inch steel rod with a "dimple" in it, then welded it over the back of the pivot point with a small piece of flat to support it.

Hi

yeah it's not an option per se. They machine up a strengthener in their shop much the same way the same way you have and many others have here.

When mine was done I mentioned it to the guy who was doing the work and he was not keen on the idea and didn't see the point. I wish I'd pressed the issue now. Mine has never gone but Ive seen them go and it makes me nervous. 50000k old.

Their called exedy and they are coloured pink.

Exedy - Spec Sheet

I currently have one in mine, but if you read my other thread, I am in the process of rebuilding a gearbox and transfer case after a main shaft failure.

As long as the flywheel is machined when replacing the clutch, the heavy duty ones seems to work fine. The previous owner of my vehicle who installed the heavy duty decided to be cheap and not machine the flywheel. The shuddering has been pretty bad up until the main shaft failure...

Still not sure whether to install a genuine one or go back to the heavy duty??
Cheers
Andrew

My 300Tdi 110 had a "heavy" feeling clutch. When it finally went at 165,000km I replaced it with a 130 Clutch. It's the same kit, just a heavier plate (as already stated) and it shares the same p/n, so ask for a 130 clutch when ordering. I was also given the option of a H/Duty Pink clutch, but at double the price I shyed away.

Once fitted the new 130 clutch felt like "a girls car." It's so light & easy.

Originally Posted by Michael2

Once fitted the new 130 clutch felt like "a girls car." It's so light & easy.

Yes that's it exactly. I'll file this information away. I don't think this guy has the pink clutch but I can't ask him as he is camping at Lake Eyre as I type. My guess is he had the 130 clutch put in.

Good advice about the flywheel.

Originally Posted by JamesH

he is camping at Lake Eyre as I type.

He isn't too far from me. I am Montecollina Bore on the Strzelecki Track.