i have been getting a shudder when changing down gears and taking off, so i have read all the posts and one thing is the check the flywheel straps, i have just done this and it seems the end on the pressure plate has a bigger gap then on the bolt attached to the flywheel end

on the flywheel there are already like 5 washers (flylwheel has been lightened),

should i add another washer to try bring the straps parallel and will this cause balance issues, if i use 3 of the same washer?

also notice my clutch engagement point was kind of high, what is the cause of this?

_________________
77 Leyland Clubman
1293cc, LCB extractors, pulsar dizzy (recurved), cooper s disc brakes, 40DCOE Weber

Yes the straps must be parallel when all bolted up.
One reason is when you change down then let the clutch up, the straps are in compression. If they are on an angle they will bend and flex, causing shudder.
Using washers is not a great way of setting the strap height, a set of 3 spacers made the correct thickness (whatever was faced off the flywheel, usually .200") is the correct way to do it.
It sounds to me like maybe the flywheel and backplate have been faced many times, without the lug heights checked on assembly.

To answer both your questions, read this article on how to set a Mini clutch up. It is important that it is done correctly.
http://www.minimania.com/web/DisplayID/ ... ticleV.cfm

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

just added 1 more spacer so the straps sits level and now it drives without any shudder
clutch take up point also seems better

_________________
77 Leyland Clubman
1293cc, LCB extractors, pulsar dizzy (recurved), cooper s disc brakes, 40DCOE Weber