Like Bob, I'm somewhat sceptical about the influence clutch loading has on crank failure. I'd wonder too about the effect on timing gears. I'm trying hard to visualise what happens to cam and ignition timing as the crank whips. Interesting- it might even be beneficial.
Ever since God was a lad people have been investigating new bearing arrangements for Austin sevens. The one that interested me, years ago was self aligning bearings. Crank whip exerts a far greater force on the engine than clutch loading. Try bending a crank 25 thou and you will see what I mean. I think allowing the crank to bend freely is far more important than absorbing the clutch load.
Ever since God was a lad people have been investigating new bearing arrangements for Austin sevens. The one that interested me, years ago was self aligning bearings. Crank whip exerts a far greater force on the engine than clutch loading. Try bending a crank 25 thou and you will see what I mean. I think allowing the crank to bend freely is far more important than absorbing the clutch load.
Alan Fairless