Auto to manual conversion problem #8 - clutch setup

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Feb 15, 2014 | 07:35 PM

drwet

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Melting Slicks

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From: Thunder Bay

Auto to manual conversion problem #8 - clutch setup

So I have my TKO 600 installed and I'm making the final connections and adjustments. I was setting up my clutch linkage today. I have about 1" of freeplay at the pedal, but I find the pedal doesn't quite return all the way to the top of its travel. It hangs up about 3/8" from the top. I have the aftermarket rod end linkage setup and there is one spring from the firewall to the Z-bar but it doesn't seem to be quite strong enough to pull the pedal all the way back. This means (I think) that the throwout bearing will be riding against the clutch fingers at all times. This doesn't seem right to me. I can probably install another spring if I have to. Is it a problem if the throwout bearing is riding against the clutch fingers? Anyone else run into this? I'd like to hear some input from guys who've been through this.

Feb 16, 2014 | 08:20 AM

1977L48

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From: Key West Florida

when i first did the swap i dident run the spring and in about 2500miles the throw out bearing all but exploded from riding against the fingers, after a clutch kit and installation of the spring no issues, i would see why the pedal is hanging up.

Feb 16, 2014 | 09:43 AM

drwet

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Melting Slicks

Joined: Dec 2009

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From: Thunder Bay

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1977L48

That is exactly the kind of information I was looking for. After several hours of troubleshooting the clutch setup I am not able to find a single source of binding in the clutch linkage. I have to assume it is a combination of many minor frictions in the linkage. A little from the boot on the bellhousing, a little from the fiber washer on the Z-bar, a little from the boot at the firewall. I think the solution is going to be a second spring. Thanks for the help.

Feb 16, 2014 | 09:56 AM

1977L48

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From: Key West Florida

which point do you have the spring at? i have mine set on the higher point on the Zbar. and its very tight, my kit came with 2 or 3 different springs if i remember correctly.

Feb 16, 2014 | 10:11 AM

Scarlett-73

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jul 2012

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From: West Hartford CT

I have thought about changing my 73 over to a Tremec 5 speed, but considering the cost, hassle and issues I hear about, I'll probably live with my automatic!

Feb 16, 2014 | 10:13 AM

Garys 68

Melting Slicks

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I think mine has 2 springs. One to the Z bar pivot and one to the fork.
http://www.nastyz28.com/~copo/images...%20linkage.jpg

Feb 16, 2014 | 10:17 AM

1977L48

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From: Key West Florida

on the rod that goes from Z bar to fork requires two springs, one from zbar to center of rod and another from center of rod to fork

Feb 16, 2014 | 12:40 PM

drwet

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Melting Slicks

Joined: Dec 2009

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From: Thunder Bay

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1977L48

which point do you have the spring at? i have mine set on the higher point on the Zbar. and its very tight, my kit came with 2 or 3 different springs if i remember correctly.

My kit didn't come with springs. I just have the stock spring that goes from the firewall to the Z-bar and I only have one hole in the Z-bar for the spring to go in. The factory setup has a spring from the Z-bar to the clutch fork, but that is designed to keep the clutch pushrod seated in the fork and does nothing to assist the return of the pedal.

I solved the problem by adding a second spring from the lower arm of the Z-bar to a bracket I fabricated and bolted to the left motor mount. It added just enough return pressure to keep the throwout bearing from riding on the clutch fingers.

Thanks to everyone for the help.