I'm having problems with my new clutch. It seems I have the opposite problem from what most folks have. I have no clearance between the bearing (short bearing) and the clutch fingers.
Measuring from the block mating surface to the clutch fingers I have about 4.2''. Do any of you know what the normal specification is? I read in another post that it's supposed to be 3 5/8, is that correct?
It's a '69 with a standard 621 bellhousing.

Link to other thread (I don't have a hydraulic bearing, it's just for reference on the mentioned distance):

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...h-problem.html

 

Did you adjust the clutch pedal swivel to increase the play?

http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1963-1981.html

 

Another component in the clutch linkage to consider in attaining the proper clearance is an adjustable fork pivot ball.

This:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mcl-16908

There are different lengths available, just back up one level in the link and find an assortment.

These things have helped some of my applications correct small problems, in the past. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the inputs, but the linkage isn't part of the problem since it isn't even installed. I removed the linkage and the fork and reinstalled the transmission in order to find out what is causing the problem.

With the clutch fork removed there is no play in the release bearing!

With the bearing pushed as far towards the transmission as it can the clutch fingers are still pressing slightly on the bearing, which is the short (1.27'' bearing).

Any ideas?

 

did you install the clutch disc backwards?

 

Do you have the pressure plate bolted down with the clutch disk in place? Is it a Muncie trans? With the trans in place is the bearing retainer pushing on the back of the throwout bearing and the front touching the pressure plate fingers?

 

Yes the pressure plate is bolted down with the clutch disk in place. The fingers do lower some when the pressure plate is tightened down, but apparently not enough.
It's the original Muncie transmission with what appears to be a stock type bearing retainer (at least according to the casting number), although the bearing retainer does appear to have been replaced at some time.
With the transmission in place the bearing retainer is pushing on the back of the throwout bearing and the front of the bearing is touching the pressure plate fingers (actually compressing them a mm or two).
I have verified this by removing the transmission and putting the bearing on the bearing retainer and measuring the distance from the transmission casing to the end of the bearing!
Measuring from the transmission to the forward end of the bearing (mounted on the bearing retainer) I have 2.13''
Measuring from the blok mounting surface to the clutch fingers I have 4.21''
The bellhousing is 6.3'' (stock)
This leaves minus 0.04'' for clearance

@MelWff: The clutch disk is installed correctly. It can't really be mounted wrong or the center part of the clutch plate would be hitting the flywheel. The part of the splined hole that reaches the furthest away from the plane of the clutch plate is turned towards the pressure plate (don't know if that sentence made sense). There is actually no "towards flywheel" marking on this clutch plate but I compared it to the old clutch which has the marking.

 

Sounds like you got it right, the clutch might be wrong. What kind of clutch is it?
One other possibility would be a thinner throwout bearing. Although the one you have (1 1/4") sounds like the correct one.
Here's a listing of throwout bearing dimensions if you want to try that.
http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/clutches_etc.htm
And the bearing retainer flange widens about 1" from the face of the trans. Not sure if there are odd aftermarket bearing retainers with interference problems though.

 

is the bearing attached to the clutch fork as described in this video


and to confirm clutch disc not being backwards

 

Hi Gary
That's what I was thinking and why I was hoping for someone to do the measurements for reference.
It's a Sachs clutch kit.
I looked at the novak-adapt page before, but I can't find any of the shorter bearings that the page mentions (like the N4008). The adjustable novak bearing won't adjust to shorter than 1.27'' according to the drawing on the novak page so that wouldn't help.

@MelWff The fork isn't installed so no interference there

 

Have you tried contacting Sachs? It does sound like a clutch issue.
Btw they doo list shorter bearings here, but judging by your name, I'm guessing you dont live down the street.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...keyword=614083

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...keyword=614038

Btw, if you search those numbers over a Rock Auto, you can find the application by clicking on the part number for the listings.

 

Thanks Gary
One of the bearings you link to has the wrong bore diameter, but the other one (614083) looks like it may work! I sent the information to the american vendor where I bought the clutch kit, maybe he will send me one of those (the vendor is also looking for a replacement bearing).