New clutch - what does "disengaged" mean?

[Chuck41]

Bear with me - first time replacing a clutch and pressure plate on the 41 (actually on any car, for that matter). When fully disengaged, I can turn the u-joint by hand in any gear, but the PP and friction disc are definitely in contact and there is a slight drag. When I slowly lift the pedal, I can't detect movement of the fingers until the pedal is about 2" off the floor, so It seems like it's as disengaged as it would ever be. Is this normal or should there be zero contact?

[cas3]

Do you have the proper 1" or so of free pedal before the throw out bearing contacts the pressure plate? And, are you sure the disk is not in backwards?

[Chuck41]

I set the proper 1" free play. It's a clutch from Fort Wayne and had a sticker on one side saying "Flywheel side." I put that against the flywheel, or thought I did. How could I tell if it's oriented correctly by looking at it?

[Chuck41]

Hopefully it's obvious but everything is in its place - all went together very well - and I'm now just looking at it through the inspection window and operating the clutch pedal and turning the u-joint by hand.

[tubman]

From what you've posted so far, you may be "over-thinking" this at this point in time..

[aussie merc]

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sounds like youve done well on your 1st attempt with the trans in gear and foot on pedal you should be able to turn the uni [clutch disengaged] lift your foot the clutch begins to grip and lock [clutch engaged] All new clutchs have whats called fur on them this will wear away quite quickly [bedding in ] There will be some drag as your also trying to turn gears and bearings in an oil bath dont worry to much. Finish putting it back together drive for about a week and recheck adjustment should be all good

[pistonbroke]

Sounds like you did a first rate job. Now if you can get the U joint not to leak your a professional. Nice work, Tim

[Chuck41]

Thanks all. I did some more testing and decided that with the floor panel and carpet back in there was no way it was going to disengage enough to get it in gear -- just not enough throw (I should have mentioned its a 49 engine and 41 transmission, which might be part of the problem). I talked at length with Lou at Fort Wayne Clutch and we decided I would send back both the old and new PP and he felt confident he could get the geometry right. On the bright side, my son and I are now experts at transmission removal.

[aussie merc]

practice there aint no substitute

[deuce_roadster]

Maybe it means the wedding is off.