All manual Classic Minis use a single dry plate clutch operated hydraulically, but the most critical identification point for ordering any clutch component is whether your car has the earlier diaphragm clutch (all models up to 1982) or the later Verto clutch (all models from 1982 onwards on A+ engines). The two types use completely different flywheels, pressure plates, driven plates, release bearings, release mechanisms and slave cylinder arrangements. They are not interchangeable, and mixing components between the two types will result in a non-functioning clutch.
If you are unsure which type is fitted, the simplest identifier is the flywheel: the diaphragm type uses a conventional flywheel bolted directly to the crankshaft with a screw, lock tab and key, while the Verto type uses a boss that bolts to the crankshaft with the flywheel then bolting to the boss.
Diaphragm Clutch, Up to 1982
The diaphragm clutch assembly comprises a flywheel (available new or reconditioned), pressure plate, clutch plate, diaphragm cover with release plate and spring clip, and a release bearing. The release bearing presses or clips onto a plunger, with two plunger types used across production, one where the bearing press-fits on, and a later type where it is held by a clip. A complete three-piece clutch kit covering the plate, diaphragm cover and release bearing is available for all pre-1982 models. The clutch release arm connects the slave cylinder push rod to the release bearing plunger via clevis pins and is returned by a spring anchored between the arm and the slave cylinder bleed screw.
Verto Clutch, 1982 Onwards
The Verto clutch was introduced from 1982 on A+ engines and remained standard to the end of production in 2000. The key difference from the diaphragm type is that the Verto flywheel and clutch assembly is supplied as a balanced unit, flywheel and clutch together, because the balance of the assembly is critical to smooth operation and is set during manufacture. Six different balanced flywheel and clutch assemblies were produced across the Verto era, depending on engine size, fuel system type and starter motor specification. The 998cc from 1982 to 1985 used a 180mm diameter clutch with a 107-tooth ring gear for the inertia starter motor.
The 998cc from 1985 to 1990 switched to a 129-tooth ring gear for the pre-engaged starter. The 998cc from 1990 to 1992 and all 1275cc carburettor models from 1990 to 1994 used a larger 190mm diameter clutch. The 1275cc SPi (1991 to 1996) and MPi (1997 to 2000) each have their own specific assembly. A heavy-duty 180mm specification is also available for turbocharged applications and as an uprated option for other carburettor models.
Fuel-injected models additionally require a reluctor ring fitted to the flywheel for the engine management system’s crank position sensing.
Clutch Hydraulics
The clutch is operated by a hydraulic master cylinder mounted on the bulkhead and a slave cylinder on the gearbox flywheel housing. The clutch master cylinder changed from a metal reservoir type to a plastic reservoir type across production. The slave cylinder and its mounting arrangement differ between diaphragm and Verto clutch cars, the diaphragm slave cylinder bolts directly to the flywheel housing, while the Verto slave cylinder mounts via a separate bracket. The clutch hose connection to the slave cylinder also differs: the diaphragm type uses a sealing washer arrangement, while the Verto type uses a banjo bolt connection.
Clutch hoses are available in standard rubber and stainless steel braided.
MGOC Spares Range
The MGOC Spares Classic Mini clutch and flywheel range covers complete three-piece clutch kits for both diaphragm and Verto types, individual pressure plates and clutch plates, balanced flywheel and clutch assemblies for all Verto variants (998cc and 1275cc, inertia and pre-engaged starter, carburettor, SPi and MPi), ring gears, reluctor rings, release bearings, plungers, release arms, clutch master cylinders with metal and plastic reservoirs, slave cylinders for diaphragm and Verto applications, master cylinder and slave cylinder repair kits, clutch hoses in rubber and stainless braided, push rods, clevis pins, lock tabs and all associated fixings.