clutch release problem?

Unknown

Hi all:



Regarding my 31 Super Six Essex



My clutch is getting closer I think.



Here's the latest question. It may be the last (lord willing).



First the update: I followed the collective advice and flushed the clutch with kerosene and refilled with HET Hudsonite at 6 oz.



Finally, the clutch doesn't slip (even in third). It engages smoothly, BUT... (my new dilemma):



I seem to be having a problem disengaging. That is, when putting the car in neutral (for example after driving and coming to a stop), I can't get the transmission into any gear without grinding. I pump up and down on the clutch pedal, hoping this will release the clutch. No avail.



When driving, it seemingly upshifts well (e.g. push clutch pedal and shift from first to second). This problem is seeming to happen only in neutral. Any suggestions. Thanks in advance. Eric

Unknown

A follow up...



I know there have been several (an understatement) inquiries about clutches. I've read them and tried to discern my problem. I certainly apologize for yet another inquiry.



This has been the strangest experience. I've gone from a clutch that was absolutely dry of fluid (chattered and slipped in third) to a clutch that doesn't chatter, engages well, and doesn't slip. My only problem seems to be the disengagement. Should I flush again with kerosene?



Mind you, this car sat for nearly 20 years dry and then was driven dry for some period. When I bought it, I immediately added ATF (the only thing I could find until I awaited the Hudsonite). Thanks for any suggestions.

Geoff

The problem could be caused by a little too much fuid in the clutch, or not enough oil in the transmission, or too much freeboard in the pedal, causing the clutch not to disengage fully. If the transmission oil is too low, there is not much drag to stop the gears from "flywheeling". or perhaps it is just thaqt youa re not allowing enough time for the gears to sto0p spinning. Try minimising the freeboard on the pedal, top up the transmission, and minimise the clutch fluid. A.T.F. is fine for the clutch. Good luck,

Geoff.

Unknown

Hi Geoff:



Thanks ever so much. I'll try all three (independently) tomorrow first thing and respond how it went.



Eric

[Deleted User]

Hi---It sounds to me like your clutch just needs a little adjustment to give the pedal throw a little more movement. The corks in these clutches tend to swell somewhat after they get hot. Try this adjustment & let us know if it solves your problem.---Cliff Minard.

Unknown

Hi Geoff and Cliff:



I placed the correct amount of fluid in both the clutch and transmission.



The clutch continues to have difficulty releasing (I think). Adjustment is strange to me on this one. My adjustment bolt underneath is fairly far out, meaning that only a slight touch on my clutch pedal will start to disengage the clutch. I suspect that it is fairly worn out, though still working. To me, though, this would make it easier to disengage!? The clutch picks up fairly well and doesn't slip when engaged. The difficulty is merely shifting from neutral. It doesn't matter how long I leave the clutch pedal pressed right down to the floorboard ... the gears will grind regardless. Is there an adjustment I am missing? This is downright strange to me. Does the release bearing get lubricated in these (I'm thinking that maybe it is sticking?). This seems unlikely to me. I'll try any advice. Thanks again...Eric.

Geoff

The r elease bearing collar has a plug for inserting grease, but this seldom gets used, as in use the clutch usually gets into the bearing and lubricates it enough. I have had my Essex for over 50 years and have never lubricated this bearing. To check that the clutch is releasing, jack up one rear wheel, put the car in top gear, and have some one hold the clutch pedal down while you try to turn the drive shaft. if the clutch is releasing fully you should be able to turn the shaft easily. It could be that the corks are too thick, or the gasket too thin. It certainly sounds like it should release if the pedal is right up against the floor boards as you describe. At what point does the clutch start engaging? If the corks are too thick it would start fairly soon after starting to let the pedal out. If you don't get any joy you may have to dismantle the clutch to sort htings out. It could be a bad pilot bearing, misalignment, or worn splines. Keep us posted.

Geoff.