Recently I changed out my worn-out 350 for a rebuilt one that I bought through Checker Auto. Absolutely no problem with the engine - it runs excellent! But, while I had the engine out, I thought I might as well change the clutch disc, pressure plate and throwout bearing for a new set while I was at it. Everything went together fairly smoothly, for the most part, aside from the fact that this new clutch setup made it impossible to adjust the clutch linkage correctly - there was way too much play in the clutch pedal, so I pulled out the pedal pushrod (the one with the threaded end for adjustment) and cut it and welded a piece of steel bar to it to make it longer. After that went in, I was able to adjust it for the right amount of pedal play.
The problem is, that after this whole thing, when I'm driving the car, it shifts great, just like it always did before, but if I have the RPM's up to around 3000 or so, then need to stop at a street light or something, I push the clutch pedal in and let the engine go back to idle speed while I'm slowing down. Right then, it will let out a terrible grinding noise, as if it's just tearing something up really bad. But if I release the clutch pedal, the noise goes away. If I keep the clutch in, but raise the RPM's, it doesn't have the slightest effect on the noise that it's making.
The problem sounds like it would possibly have to do with the throwout bearing, or something of that nature. I have tried changing the adjustment of the clutch linkage to lessen the pedal free play, but it still grinds.
Please help me here!! Anyone! :confused: I would really appreciate it.

 

The fact that you had to lenghten the adjusting rod sounds like you used a short throwout bearing when you should have used a long one. The throwout bearing and the ball stud have to match. If you use the wrong combination and you extend the adjusting rod, it puts the clutch fork at the wrong angle and it will rub on the clutch diaphram when you push the clutch in.

 

Did you compare throwout bearing assembly heights or lengths.
Were the two pressure plates the same type. Diaphram verses a 3 prong styles.
Did you check the pilot bearing in the end of the crankshaft, (most engines don't come with one, and sometimes the engine rebuilder don't put new ones in)

Phlash 72 BB Roadster :seeya

 

I figured that there would be some problem with the throwout bearing. The truth is, I was in such a hurry to get the engine in, I didn't even compare the new one with the old one. It never occurred to me that there would be differences in the bearings. The new one fit the clutch fork right where the old one did, so I just threw it in... :rolleyes:

As for the pilot bushing - I got one and put it in the new engine, since it didn't come with one.
So that sound is most likely the clutch fork grinding against the clutch diaphram? It doesn't happen every time I push the pedal in...

Regardless, I am definitely going to have to pull the transmission. I've tried to figure that out in the past, but I'm not sure of the best way to unhook the shifter linkage, etc. :confused:
Any quick tips on where to start???