Dino 246 clutch problem

Hi all. Hope you can help with this one. My 246 Dino has developed what I think is a clutch problem. If the clutch is fully depressed, it seems to cause loading of the starter motor which makes starting quite difficult(car starts normally with clutch let out). Once started with first gear engaged, the clutch seems to bite early when let out from fully depressed position, causing a sudden increase in load on the engine with subsequent rough action/hopping of car and need for more revs. No slipping is felt and once moving, there is no problem in changing gears and clutch action feels smooth,ie clutch action only seems a problem when taking off from complete stop. Clutch cover was taken off and nothing seems amiss, eg disc, bearing looks ok. Mechanic (very experienced) is puzzled. Could it be a problem with the pressure plate? Anyone else encountered anything similar?

Thanks

Greg

Greg, I'm pondering this not ignoring it.

The bad news is, when clutch peddle pressure is applieded it plays into the main bearing Thrust Washers......which is why I hate to start engines with the clutch depressed!!!

However, I'm pondering other secondary situations that might cause simular issues! When was the last time the Pilot Bearing was checked or replaced? I'll be back in touch!

Thanks for the reply JRV. My mechanic is still stumped. We thought we would try putting in a fresh pressure plate and see whether it makes a difference(somehow I doubt it!). The engine was completely stripped and rebuilt about 5years ago(car had previously been rallied). This problem seems to have been slowly developing over the last 12months(i only do about 1000miles a year)Excuse my ignorance but which is the Pilot Bearing and how easy is it to check

Thanks again

Greg

Pilot bearing is in the end of the crankshaft and it supports the end of the transmission input shaft. I agree with JVR about the thrust bearings on the crankshaft. These thrust bearings control the crankshaft from moving forward and backward in the engine block. Your mechanic can check for crankshaft end float clearance with a dial indicator by gently prying the crankshaft forward and backward and measuring the clearance. JVR might be able to tell you the correct tolerances for this engine, but on our race stuff it would be .005" to .008"

Thanks Bob
I'll let you guys know how we go

Hi again. Some followup. The pressure plate was replaced and the problem resolved(much to my delight)