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clutch linkage!!?

3K views 11 replies 7 participants last post by  chevyelc81 
#1 ·
In my 69 camaro, the clutch is suppose to have a little end play so the clutch fork dosn't ride on the throwout bearing. I adjust it to were there is about 1 inch play in the petal before it starts disengageing the clutch. The problem Im haveing is that it keeps tightening up. Since I put the motor in, My clutch linkage tightens up to the point the clutch slips. Every 2 weeks I have to losen and adjust the linkage for more play. Ive done this 4 times now and it keeps tightening. The last time I adjusted it, I left 2 inches of play and its starting to tighten up again! I don't get it!!!?? Im sure I do everything right, I make sure that the lock nut on the linkage adjuster is tight, and when I go to adjust it, its tight. The threaded adjusting linkage that pushes the clutch fork stays centered on the clutch fork. Im running a centerforce clutch and pressure plate. Any info from anyone whos had this problem or might know what could be going on would help, thanx
 
#2 ·
THAT USUALLY INDICATESS DISC WEAR!IT IS RECOMMENDED TO PROPERLY SEAT IN THE NEW PRESSURE PLATE & DISC ASSEMBLY TO ASSURE GOOD CLUTCH PERFORMANCE. CENTERFORCE RECOMMENDS 450-500 MILES OF IN TOWN STOP AND GO TYPE OF EASY DRIVING BEFORE APPLYING FULL POWER. IF YOUR DRIVING CONSISTS OF MAINLY HIGHWAY TYPE USE, THE BREAK IN PERIOD SHOULD BE LONGER THAN THE 450-500 MILES. IF THE BREAK IN PERIOD IS NOT PROPERLY FOLLOWED, CLUTCH LIFE AND PERFORMANCE CAN BE SACRIFICED.
:rolleyes:
 
#3 ·
Well I bought the car with 700 miles on it with the centerforce clutch in it. It had a 350ci in it. I ended up putting a small block 400ci in the car. I purchased a brand new externaly balanced centerforce flywheel for the 400ci and used the clutch with 700 miles on it. Would using a used clutch on a brand new flywheel cause it??
 
#7 ·
I'm having the same problem with my clutch. I had my tired 350 replaced with a new 350 hp L-82, professionally installed. Same clutch, linkage, etc., flywheel was resurfaced. The old setup worked beautifully. The new setup needs constant adjusting, same as yours.
 
#8 ·
At least im not the only one having this problem... My adjusting linkage is basiclly 3 pieces. There is a stud that screws inside of a rod that goes to the clutch lever. The end of the stud pushes the clutch fork to release the pressure plate. There is a nut that srews on to the stud and you tighten it against the rod that the stud is screwed into to keep in place.

I found something out thats really wierd last night. I adjusted the clutch again and I went out cruising. I really got on the gas and the linkage felt like it tightened up a little. I don't understand how this could happen, but i shut the car off doing about 40mph, with the clutch in, I put the car in 1st. Then I dragged the clutch a little to where it was slowing the car down but not turning the engine over, and the lickage loosened up a little. HOW!?? WHY??!! Im so confused, what is going on in there for this to happen??
 
#9 ·
This may be a little far fetched, but you might obtain a dial indicator and a friend to help you check the 'end play' of your crankshaft. It's possible that the thrust bearing is developing too much end play from wear. Manual transmission systems are pressing on the back of the crank everytime you step on the clutch pedal. If the crank is shifting front to back in the main bearings the clutch disc/pressure plate/throw-out bearing moves with it. Seems like you are having to adjust way more than this would create, but I wouldn't overlook it. Good Luck!
 
#12 ·
I do have a return spring and my bellhousing bolts were tight. I have a polurethane tranny mount which is like new still. Im begining to thing willy77 was right. I pulled the tranny out to rebuild it and I checked the clutch. It was almost warn right down to the rivets and was a little torn up. I don't think it helps having a 2.53 rear end gear ratio. Im always slipping the clutch to take off and I have smoked the clutch a few times racing. So I think that explains the linkage problem, the clutch was worn. I ordered a new clutch and 3.73 rear end gears, hopefully it won't happen again. Thanks for all your replys. Its greatly appreciated. :cool:
 
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