so I recently got my car running. I've put about fifty miles on it so far. everything was working great. than the clutch started slipping really bad. It's in a Pontiac with a muncie four speed. Could it be an adjustment problem?. How do I adjust it? Should I just bite the bullet and pull the s.o.b. I've got the car on jack stands and I'm ready to go. thanks.
Make sure that the clutch linkage is free. Maybe it needs to be readjusted after your initial drive. You should have at least 1/2" free play at the pedal before the linkage engages (mechanical or hydraulic). Is there any reason to think that the clutch disc has gotten oil soaked?
You didn't let the trans. weight hang on the disc when installing it did you? If you did you bent the inner disc metal support causing it not to make complete contact between pressure plate and flywheel. I know I did it in my Vette and had to srart over with a new disc. Hank
the linkage is mechanical. I just have it snugged up against the clutch fork. I don't think I have any "freeplay". should the linkage be a little loose?
You should have about 3/4 of an inch travel of the clutch pedal before the throw out bearing makes contact with the pressure plate. If there is no free play, the throw out bearing is spinning like a wild man all the time. And the clutch is not engaging all the way!
You need about 1/16 to 1/8 clearance between the bearing and clutch fingers. This usually means about 1 inch of movement at the pedal. Make sure the Z bar /cross shaft is not binding everything from pedal to fork is moving free. If you have a open bottom bell housing it's easy to see the condintion of the bearing and fork.
Everyone has had the right advice. If the clutch linkage is set too snug, it is the same as you driving around riding the clutch. It is just slipping and burning up. Too much free play at the clutch pedal is far more desirable than not enough - or none! If there is too much free play in the clutch, then you might have a hard time shifting because the clutch does not disengage enough. Sounds like you need to back off the adjustment.
all the adjustment is at the threaded rod between the z-bar and the clutch fork. I have between those adjusted snug. should I have some play there? I can't see the bearing.
Yes ,loosen it up untill you have about 1/8" play in that area. Really you normaly check free play at the pedal ,about 1".
well I just got done for the night. it's better, but i think i need to loosen it some more. I'll give it another try tomorrow.
I like for them to engage about an inch off the floor, yours is probably engaging way up. I think You're on the right track though. Go with adjustments in 1/4" increments at the rod. Bob
You should probably pull the trans out and check the bearing now. If the bearing was riding on the fingers for a long time it is probably f-ed up and WILL lock up or blow apart when you are far form home. I know because i did the same ****. I was balsting through gears and then a bunch of sparks flew out and i couldnt shift anymore. I had to limp it home in second. Good luck bro, clutches can be a pain in the ***, but no as bad a a f-ed up valve body.
Correct test for clutch is as follows. Adjust with 3/8" freeplay of linkage to fork!! Warm engine to operating temperature, Depress clutch pedal,place transmission in 1st gear, bring engine RPMs up to 7500, move left foot quickly away from clutch pedal--also known as SIDE-STEPPING , hang the **** on because your cars is going to launch like a rocket or it's going to fly in a million pieces. Ther will be no charge for this advice >>>>.
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