Clutch linkage problems

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Fri Jun 24, 05 5:52 pm

Can any of you guys out there help me with a problem I have with the clutch on the Dart, the clutch pedal is heavy, when the car is cold it is acceptable and useable, but when it gets hot after a run it is excessively heavy and notchy, as though it is binding. I have replaced all the bushes and ball sockets and even levelled the torque tube up ( it was sitting at a strange angle/ this helped a little ).
The car has a Centerforce in it.
If anyone has any suggestions I would be grateful as it is becoming a pain if I get stuck in traffic. I was going to convert to hydraulic but having spoken to Jeremy Lancaster I am not so sure, apparently he ran a hydraulic set up with the Big Block, but it wasn't very successful, due to the pressures it kept blowing seals.
I am now at a loss, is it the linkage or maybe the clutch itself binding?

Guy · Post by **Guy** » Fri Jun 24, 05 6:49 pm

Told you to fit a 727

Blue · Post by **Blue** » Fri Jun 24, 05 7:06 pm

We had this problem on Pete's Sox car, Get someone to press the clutch down while you are underneath and check that the release arm is pivoting correctly and not hitting or riding on any part of the bellhousing. Also drop the pan off and do the same thing and see if you can see the fork pivot itself moving, as these can crack or bend. Your problem is almost certainly in this area, the fork dosn't pivot were it should and the release bearing won't move smoothly giving the pdal that notchy feeling.

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Sat Jun 25, 05 11:45 pm

Thanks for that Blue, was starting to have my doubts about the clutch fork, will get underneath and have a look see.

Jim · Post by **Jim** » Mon Jun 27, 05 8:57 am

Dean, has Jeremy still got the hydraulic set-up?

If he has it's gotta be worth trying. It worked OK when i had the car.

Fitting a Centre Force clutch normally solves heavy pedal problems. I am not convinced you have the correct linkage on that car. It has had so many manual and automatic transmissions in it's life who knows if what is fitted now is correct for that car. If the leverage isn't right it could be working against you. I suggest putting the car on a ramp and watch the linkage operate while someone is pressing the pedal. It should all operate smoothly and without any obvious strain or flexing.

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Mon Jun 27, 05 11:18 am

From what he was saying I don't think he still has it, I am going to check movement of linkage 2 nite, I am trying to locate an A body linkage, because as you say I'm not convinced its the right one either, plus there is evidence of it being welded at some point, makes me suspicious.

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Tue Jul 05, 05 4:58 pm

Sorted!! Linkage now all lined up and modified to suit, clutch pedal much lighter, just need to make a new link between pedal and torque shaft to lose the inch of play in the pedal.