Clutch Problem
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Union City TN
Clutch Problem
I have a 64 Coupe with 460 HP small block and Richmond 5 speed transmission. I am using a Centerforce Dual Friction clutch and a Lakewood bellhousing. The transmission will not shift smoothly and speed shifts are not possible. Richmond says that the clutch is not opening enough. When I set the throughout bearing just touching the clutch and open the clutch, the clutch will start re-engaging immediatly.
I have considered drilling another hole in the clutch bellcrank to get a little more travel. This piece is very hard and I have not found a drill that will cut it. I also believe that this will increase pedal pressure. I would like to install a hydraulic clutch.
Do you have any ideas?
Thanks for your help
Steve Vaughn
I have considered drilling another hole in the clutch bellcrank to get a little more travel. This piece is very hard and I have not found a drill that will cut it. I also believe that this will increase pedal pressure. I would like to install a hydraulic clutch.
Do you have any ideas?
Thanks for your help
Steve Vaughn
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 386
Likes: 5
From: Abington MA
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
Re: Clutch Problem (cstvgo)
First off let me say I'm no expert and everytime I work on my car I have to get guidance from either a friend or ask someone in the forum.
But here goes.
I just got through putting in a Centerforce II clutch. Haven't got to drive it other than in and out of the garage because I have other things I need to do first before I can drive it on the road. But, The old clutch had a longer throwout bearing (I was told) to compensate for the scatterfield bellhousing configuration. Anyways the little driving I did do it seemed to work fine. The throwout bearing was about 3/4" longer than the one that came with the clutch kit.
I'm sure there are people in the forum that can tell you if what I'm saying would have anything to do with your problem or not. Also you can check my post on this subject and see what I got for replies.
Good luck, Mark :seeya
But here goes.
I just got through putting in a Centerforce II clutch. Haven't got to drive it other than in and out of the garage because I have other things I need to do first before I can drive it on the road. But, The old clutch had a longer throwout bearing (I was told) to compensate for the scatterfield bellhousing configuration. Anyways the little driving I did do it seemed to work fine. The throwout bearing was about 3/4" longer than the one that came with the clutch kit.
I'm sure there are people in the forum that can tell you if what I'm saying would have anything to do with your problem or not. Also you can check my post on this subject and see what I got for replies.
Good luck, Mark :seeya
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
Re: Clutch Problem (cstvgo)
Steve, there is one check you should perform. Adjust the throwout bearing so it has around 1/32" clearance to the clutch fingers. Without the engine running have someone fully depress the clutch pedal so you can measure the clearance between the disc and the flywheel. You should have 1/32", or a little more, minimum clearance. If you do, you should be able to let out on the cluch pedal around 1/2" from the floorboard and be able to shift into reverse (with the engine running) without difficulty. If you can do both of those, then I would be looking at the transmission. If you don't have at lease 1/32" clearance between the disc and the flywheel, I would be looking at the clutch package. You shouldn't have to redesign the clutch linkage to get an aftermarket clutch to work.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 26,118
Likes: 1,874
From: Greenville, Indiana
Re: Clutch Problem (JoesC5)
I would think though, if you can get the thing into reverse with the engine running and the clutch pedal some distance off the floor, then I think it should shift through the forward gears with the clutch pedal in the same position.
Is your clutch push rod adjustment run all the way out? Can you get about 1/2 inch free play at the top and the clutch start picking up maybe an inch off the floor? A short throwout bearing in the wrong application usually results in a clutch that will not release.
I don't think I would change the linkage geometry to make the clutch work. That's treating the symptom and not the problem and sooner or later, will cause other problems. Then, again, maybe someone in the past has mixed your linkage parts with other similar but not same parts.
Did the current clutch LINKAGE work correctly before you changed your engine/clutch?
I've never had a clutch like yours, but a clutch is a clutch, I would think. No answers here, but maybe it will ring a bell.
Mike :)
[Modified by MikeM, 8:58 PM 6/4/2003]
[Modified by MikeM, 9:00 PM 6/4/2003]
Is your clutch push rod adjustment run all the way out? Can you get about 1/2 inch free play at the top and the clutch start picking up maybe an inch off the floor? A short throwout bearing in the wrong application usually results in a clutch that will not release.
I don't think I would change the linkage geometry to make the clutch work. That's treating the symptom and not the problem and sooner or later, will cause other problems. Then, again, maybe someone in the past has mixed your linkage parts with other similar but not same parts.
Did the current clutch LINKAGE work correctly before you changed your engine/clutch?
I've never had a clutch like yours, but a clutch is a clutch, I would think. No answers here, but maybe it will ring a bell.
Mike :)
[Modified by MikeM, 8:58 PM 6/4/2003]
[Modified by MikeM, 9:00 PM 6/4/2003]
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,749
Likes: 776
From: Dadeville AL
Re: Clutch Problem (cstvgo)
cstvgo-
My Corvette has an M21 transmission, Centerforce dual friction clutch and Hurst shifter. My Cobra replica has a Richmond 5 speed, a Centerforce dual friction clutch until recently, and an unknown brand shifter. I find it very easy to shift the Corvette and always find the right gear. I don't speed shift often, but when I have it has been very positive and easy. It is much more difficult to find the right gear with the Richmond and it doesn't shift quickly. From what I've read over on the Cobra forum, this is a common complaint about the Richmond 5 speed transmission. I say all this to suggest that your problem may not be with the clutch or its adjustment. I recommend you speak with some other Richmond owners to see how they feel about their transmissions. Good luck.
My Corvette has an M21 transmission, Centerforce dual friction clutch and Hurst shifter. My Cobra replica has a Richmond 5 speed, a Centerforce dual friction clutch until recently, and an unknown brand shifter. I find it very easy to shift the Corvette and always find the right gear. I don't speed shift often, but when I have it has been very positive and easy. It is much more difficult to find the right gear with the Richmond and it doesn't shift quickly. From what I've read over on the Cobra forum, this is a common complaint about the Richmond 5 speed transmission. I say all this to suggest that your problem may not be with the clutch or its adjustment. I recommend you speak with some other Richmond owners to see how they feel about their transmissions. Good luck.
