Problems withthe clutch safety switch
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 8
From: Illinois
Problems withthe clutch safety switch
When I start my 4 speed I have to push the clutch all the way to the floorboard or the starter won't engage. I'm short and the way it is I would have to be 6'9'. Tried adjusting the clutch pedal and then realized it didn't have anything to do with this and had to reset it. Can someone explain how this switch works and how to correct this problem. Thanks to all you fellow vet owners for your help--can't tell you how much I have learned reading the different threads on this forum.
Paul
Paul
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 19,350
Likes: 654
From: Tampa, Florida
The switch is rigidly mounted to the side of the brake box. When the pedal is depressed a little rod attached to the pedal actuates the switch. I guess if you were creative you could lengthen the rod. The only problem would be if you depressed the pedal all the way you'd be over activating the switch thus probably damaging it.
You didnt hear this from me but you can disconnect the harness and use 'jumper wire'. If you do that it'll start IN GEAR.
You didnt hear this from me but you can disconnect the harness and use 'jumper wire'. If you do that it'll start IN GEAR.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,723
Likes: 1,378
Mine wasn't hooked up when I bought the car...
and it never has been. Probably would be a good idea to hook it up, but I haven't yet started it in gear....I've only had it for 23 years. I'm not saying it's not a good idea to have it, but I didn't even realize they had this system on 68's when I bought the car.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 19,350
Likes: 654
From: Tampa, Florida
Thers a few other things you can try.
1. Drill the hole higher up on the switch arm thus changing the ratio. You wouldnt have to move the pedal as much to get the same travel fom the switch. This may not make difference if you still need to depress the clutch all the way in to shift. This still may lead to too much movement in the swith damaging it
2. Put a thicker pad on the clutch pedal.
1. Drill the hole higher up on the switch arm thus changing the ratio. You wouldnt have to move the pedal as much to get the same travel fom the switch. This may not make difference if you still need to depress the clutch all the way in to shift. This still may lead to too much movement in the swith damaging it
2. Put a thicker pad on the clutch pedal.
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