1) order A+ top quality natural wine corks (new corks; not the bonded variety, nor artificial). The ID of the average wine bottle magically seems to be the same as the holes in the clutch plates; 2) cut the corks in half; 3) soak 5-10 pieces at a time in boiling water for 5-6 mins; this temporarily softens the outside of the corks to aid fitting; 4) take each cork in turn (hot!) and squeeze into the clutch plate holes, starting in the centre of the plate, and push through so that the cork sits evenly spaced either side; 5) when all corks are placed, leave the corks to "dry-out" (at least a couple of days); 6) place the clutch plate in a lathe and, as if working a metal object, slowly cut the corks to size (2-3 mm protrusion each side). It is amazing how well this works; 7) repeat the other side; 8) submerge the complete plate in engine oil for 2 days; 9) fit to clutch.
Ian Harris of pre-war Morris spares fame after fitting the corks were scorched to a brown/black colour. The fitter states it makes the corks last longer,
Fitting the corks to the plate, despite the hot-water-softening, can become painful on the thumb and fingers; I spread this out over two days, 10 corks at a time. This is where Sandy's aluminium plug might help. I was initially worried that the hot-water treatment might affect the strength of the corks, but this does not appear to be the case (the treatment came from a Triumph motorcycle site; some of these also have wet-cork plates). Robert Baurdoux
I made an aluminium plug that had a small thin neck that would fit into the clutch disc holes I machined an internal taper. Made a jig to hold disc on drill press and after soaking many good used wine corks I pressed them in using the drillpress.. Then I used a 3" grinding disc locking the press down to make primary contact I rotated the clutch disc and the grinding disc made the preliminary cut. I do not remember the final measurement on clutch disc thickness but it was very close to 1/4".I drove that MG VA tourer for another ten years and then it returned to the UK. It was still working well. Used wine corks should be cut to 1/2" length before pressing them into the disc. The aluminium plug was made from the spacers on MG/TD bumper. I believe the it's the rear ones that are longer. Sandy Sanders
The clutch of an early VA (pre engine number TPBG 1510) as well as all SA clutches are running in engine oil.
They are easily identified if you look under your car. If the clutch operating shaft is above the centre line of the clutch bell housing and the operating lever is bent as on the photo below, your VA has a wet clutch.
If the operating shaft is under the bell housing centre line and the operating lever is short and straight as below, your VA is equipped with a dry clutch.
The friction material of a wet clutch plate is originally cork and not difficult to replace. Although these "wet"clutches tend to stick a bit when cold they perform very well and give a smooth operation. New corks should stick out 3,5 mm when new. One important drawback is the fairly complex and time consuming construction if repair is needed. Kevlar lined plate on the left Genuine cork lined plate on the right
Also when during its life particles of the cork start letting loose they are not always caught by the simple pre war oil filter. These particles may end up blocking the vital oil ways in the crankshaft holding back sufficient lubrication of the big end bearings.
A modern day solution is now the fitting of a Kevlar lining to the old plate. It is glued in place and will stand temperatures up to 750 degrees. Costing about € 100. Make sure the Kevlar is grooved as in the photo, so the oil can escape. One brand of these modern linings is "New 53 Langite" which is in fact a cork neoprene composite, manufactured by Ferodo and available through the Old Payen Gasket Company, part of Federal Mogul. Always when working on these wet clutches do replace the tension coil springs by new (uprated) ones.
BdV
This is the right set up of the release trust bearing and clutch fork for a wet clutch. There is only pressure on the bearing when you press the clutch pedal against the pressure of the clutch springs. Make sure the bearing is fitted the right way round
For the dry clutch VA's, replacement parts are easily available in every automotive parts shop. Its a simple Borg & Beck 8 inch clutch, as in many old British cars, like the Austin Cambridge etc. Part number of release bearing L 528. Part number Cover Assembly 3 D 02530. Clutch plate part number DN 47625/35.
Extremely important with dry clutches is to make sure that the clutch operating rod is adjusted in such a way that there is some 2-3 mm play before the clutch release bearing is activated. Also never drive these clutches with your foot on the pedal. If you do so, or if too tightly adjusted the coal ring in the bearing will wear out very quick.