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Old 06-01-2017, 09:33 AM   #1
kippmw
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Default 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
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Old 06-01-2017, 09:46 AM   #2
Marshall V. Daut
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Default 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.
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Old 06-01-2017, 11:14 AM   #3
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Default 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.
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Old 06-01-2017, 02:14 PM   #4
Patrick L.
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Default Re: Clutch issues...

How much free-play did you have before the adjustment ? And now ?
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Old 06-01-2017, 07:38 PM   #5
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Default 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.
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Old 06-01-2017, 08:45 PM   #6
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Default Re: Clutch issues...

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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.
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Old 06-01-2017, 09:13 PM   #7
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Default 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.
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Old 06-08-2017, 06:55 PM   #8
Marshall V. Daut
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Default Re: Clutch issues...

Well? Did you uncover the guilty party causing your clutch issue? Too soon to inquire?
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Old 06-09-2017, 11:00 AM   #9
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Default 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.
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Old 06-10-2017, 11:28 AM   #10
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Default Re: Clutch issues...

"Something" must have gone ASTRAY in the pressure plate, as it happened all of a sudden & with a POP!
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Old 06-11-2017, 10:42 AM   #11
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Default 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!

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Old 06-12-2017, 01:33 PM   #12
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Default Re: Clutch issues...

Quote:
Originally Posted by kippmw View Post
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
Matt,
That's what The Dog & I are here for DON'T ever hesitate to PM us, if we might help you. The Dog knows a lot of stuff, also! He "proof reads" all my stuff
Let us know what you find.
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Old 06-12-2017, 02:16 PM   #13
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Default 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.
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Old 06-12-2017, 10:49 PM   #14
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Default 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.
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Old 06-12-2017, 11:13 PM   #15
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Default 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 ... !

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Old 06-13-2017, 12:21 AM   #16
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Default 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?
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Old 06-13-2017, 09:24 AM   #17
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Default Re: Clutch issues...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Benson View Post
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 ... !
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.
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Old 06-13-2017, 09:25 AM   #18
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Default Re: Clutch issues...

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Originally Posted by daveymc29 View Post
Didn't he say he has the V8 pressure plate? If so he may well have the correct clutch, one would surmise. Correct?
That's correct. The car already has a lightened flywheel with a V8 clutch, so I will stick with that setup.
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Old 06-13-2017, 09:33 AM   #19
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Default Re: Clutch issues...

Anyone remember GREEN Brand T.O. bearings? They came with a PLASTIC hub. +*$^%#%+^
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Old 06-21-2017, 08:40 PM   #20
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Default Re: Clutch issues...

The real problem..solved!

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=223224
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Old 06-21-2017, 10:26 PM   #21
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Default Re: Clutch issues...

Sorry, should've just posted the pictures in this thread.

The center hub of the clutch disc came apart and the pressure plate fingers were contacting the disc
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 20170621_172901.jpg (41.0 KB, 25 views)
File Type: jpg 20170621_173028.jpg (36.4 KB, 17 views)
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Old 06-22-2017, 06:47 AM   #22
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Default Re: Clutch issues...

I would save the disc and take it to a clutch and drivetrain shop to have them rivet the center and replace the arms.
If they can't do that, then save the linings to rivet to a worn disc.
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Old 06-22-2017, 08:54 AM   #23
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Default Re: Clutch issues...

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I would save the disc and take it to a clutch and drivetrain shop to have them rivet the center and replace the arms.
If they can't do that, then save the linings to rivet to a worn disc.
I bet the labor they would charge would be more than the cost of a new disc.

place I found that can rivet brake linings charges a shop rate of $90 an hour....
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Old 06-22-2017, 09:25 AM   #24
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Default Re: Clutch issues...

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I would save the disc and take it to a clutch and drivetrain shop to have them rivet the center and replace the arms.
If they can't do that, then save the linings to rivet to a worn disc.
Yeah, I went down to Bert's yesterday and picked up a pressure plate, disc and throw out bearing for under $200, so it might not be worth it to have the old parts fixed. I'll probably keep them as conversation pieces, though!
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Old 06-22-2017, 09:56 AM   #25
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Default Re: Clutch issues...

Save the clutch lining at least. I bought some new clutch linings from Rainmaker Ron just before he sold his business, and I will rivet them to used discs with worn linings. It's no different than riveting brake shoe linings.
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