13-06-2023, 11:45 PM
Roger, I had been using a long grease nipple from a propshaft for lubricating the release bearing for over 40 years on my RL. Last year tootling along the M4 near Port Talbot, there was an almighty bang from underneath the car, that I thought was something terminal. Fortunately I was very near to the Port Talbot Exit, and managed to free wheel down to the roundabout. The car engine was still idling nicely, and a quick inspection under the bonnet and the underside of the car showed no obvious damage.
I drove the six miles home very "gingerly" on byways and put the car in the garage.
A later proper inspection revealed the the grease nipple had come out, caught in the clutch cover starter teeth, smashed the starter housing into three pieces and cracked the bellhousing!
The rebuilt engine and clutch assembly, now has an original oiler secured with loctite.
John
I drove the six miles home very "gingerly" on byways and put the car in the garage.
A later proper inspection revealed the the grease nipple had come out, caught in the clutch cover starter teeth, smashed the starter housing into three pieces and cracked the bellhousing!
The rebuilt engine and clutch assembly, now has an original oiler secured with loctite.
John