Clutch issues...
 

Hi all,

I was driving my 29 Fordor yesterday and had an interesting issue. I noticed that as the clutch pedal was fully depressed, it seemed like it was still grabbing and not fully disengaged and was difficult to get into gear. My first thought of course was that the clutch maybe was about to go. However, I realized that if I were to lift up on the pedal about an inch, it was then fully disengaged and shifted fine. It's as if the pedal was going down too far. I readjusted it to engage closer to the floor and it seems fine now, but I'm not sure what would have changed. Any thoughts??

Thanks for any input

Re: Clutch issues...
 

Check for a crack in the clutch arm where you adjusted the free play. These arms often don't crack and break dramatically. Usually they start to crack, which changes the clutch adjustment. People think the clutch disk has worn a little, so they re-adjust the clutch pedal travel without looking at the clutch arm. Then the crack travels farther and the clutch is out of adjustment again. By this time, the arm may split in two.
Examine the clutch arm at its base where the shaft goes through it. I'll bet it's cracked, given the sudden change in shifting ease and pedal travel.
Marshall

Re: Clutch issues...
 

Thanks Marshall, I will look at that. Though I would think that it would make the adjustment go the opposite direction from where it went. i.e. not disengaging enough, rather than too much.

Re: Clutch issues...
 

How much free-play did you have before the adjustment ? And now ?

Re: Clutch issues...
 

I'd say that it's definitely more free travel than before, though it changed very slowly. It probably went from a couple inches to 3-4 inches.

Re: Clutch issues...
 

pedal should have 1" of free play before the throw-out bearing touches the fingers. Fully released it should not spin, one in down it should start spinning and to the floor should be clutch freely spinning.

I would also check the arm as others have mentioned. have a wife, kid, neighbor, neighbors kid sit in the seat (keys in your pocket of course and parking brake set) and have them push the clutch pedal down slowly as you watch that arm for flexing as the pedal does down and released.

Re: Clutch issues...
 

Also, dodgy to diagnose at first, the linkage threads have been known to wear out and slip and make you wonder why it doesn't hold an adjustment.

Re: Clutch issues...
 

Well? Did you uncover the guilty party causing your clutch issue? Too soon to inquire?
Marshall + other responders

Re: Clutch issues...
 

Well, I pulled the floorboards and removed the inspection plate. The car has the three finger V8 pressure plate. It looks like the adjusters on each finger have worn down where they contact the throwout bearing. Kinda strange... I'm not sure how that would result in the clutch disengaging too far or how that would have happened?? If I adjust the pedal to have around 3 inches of free play, the clutch appears to release properly, but if I adjust it to 1 inch like you're supposed to have, I have to hold the pedal an inch or two off the floor to get it into gear.

Re: Clutch issues...
 

"Something" must have gone ASTRAY in the pressure plate, as it happened all of a sudden & with a POP!
Bill W.

Re: Clutch issues...
 

Yeah, I think the pressure plate is done for. Looks like I'll be dropping the rear end and transmission and replacing the clutch. Thanks all for the input!

Matt

Re: Clutch issues...
 

Matt,
That's what The Dog:cool: & I are here for:D DON'T ever hesitate to PM us, if we might help you. The Dog:cool: knows a lot of stuff, also!:D He "proof reads" all my stuff:)
Let us know what you find.
Bro Bill W.

Re: Clutch issues...
 

It will be interesting to see once you take the clutch out if the arms are held by cotter pins or clips.

Re: Clutch issues...
 

You might think about going to the v-8 clutch and pressure plate. I had that done over 10 years ago and sure like it.

Re: Clutch issues...
 

When you pull the transmission be sure to check the throw out bearing.

If it is stamped "Aetna" ... these are famous for going bad. As I remember they "seize up" when bearing gets warm.

If so that might explain the worn adjusters on your V8 clutch.

Photos would be nice ... !

Re: Clutch issues...
 

Didn't he say he has the V8 pressure plate? If so he may well have the correct clutch, one would surmise. Correct?

Re: Clutch issues...
 

That is very possible. I'm planning to replace the throw out bearing while I'm in there, either way. I will definitely share some pictures when I tear it down.

Re: Clutch issues...
 

That's correct. The car already has a lightened flywheel with a V8 clutch, so I will stick with that setup.

Re: Clutch issues...
 

Anyone remember GREEN Brand T.O. bearings? They came with a PLASTIC hub. +*$^%#%+^
Bill W.

Re: Clutch issues...
 

The real problem..solved!

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=223224