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Author
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Topic: Clutch Tech Help Needed
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JAAZZY
Gearhead Posts: 745
From: Bay Area, CA
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 08-13-2001 08:47 PM
  
After waiting so long I finally thought I had the Mustang close to done so went out for a few quick tuning blasts last week. The motor is very smooth and strong.I was on my way back on the highway when suddenly when I pushed the clutch in I heard some clanging and some metal pieces fell out from under my car. My clutch pedal went to the floor and stayed there. I was going to stop but in shifting I realized the car was extremely difficult to get into gear. I only live about a mile away so I drove it home. Getting it home I was glad I hadn't stopped. It was impossible to get it into gear if it wasn't rolling. Well anyway I brought another car down but I couldn't find whatever it was that fell out. I got under the car and everything looked fine. The only thing I could see was that the return spring was missing. I rationalized that this was the problem and the reason the pedal wouldn't come back up. Well I was right and the pedal does come back up now that I installed a new spring but unfortunately the prolem is still not fixed. Even with the clutch fully depressed it is not releasing. If I hold the clutch pedal fully to the floor and turn the key the starter will actually roll the car forward. I know it isn't the linkage as it is working fine. Also I had driven it half a dozen times with this new motor without a problem until that day. I fulled around with adjusting the linkage but I'm fairly certain it is working fine and this isn't related to it. I'm just looking for a little advice on what it could be. What could have fallen out other than the return spring? Thanks in advance.
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65mustang
Gearhead Posts: 138
From: Stockton,CA
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 08-13-2001 09:02 PM
your clutch rod that goes from the equalizer bar to the fork. maybe.
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JAAZZY
Gearhead Posts: 745
From: Bay Area, CA
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 08-13-2001 09:26 PM
Thanks tried that. It looks like it's in perfect condition and I have the newer style that is adjustable. I took the entire linkage out, removed the longtubes, clearanced them in a couple of spots to make sure the problem is not due to binding and re-installed the whole thing. It took a long time because of the lack of engine room space but still no luck. At least the clutch action is completely smooth now that the headers are away from the linkage. quote:
Originally posted by 65mustang:
your clutch rod that goes from the equalizer bar to the fork. maybe.
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Ronster
Journeyman Posts: 11
From: Stockton, CA US A
Registered: Aug 2001
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posted 08-13-2001 09:59 PM
Jaazzy - It sound like the clutch fork pivot bracket inside the bellhousing broke. That would do everything you've said. If you're not familar with that part, it's a little "L" shaped bracket that the center of the clutch fork is held to by the "anti-rattle" spring, a fancy word for a funny shaped piece of wire. When the pivot bracket breaks, the clutch fork has no way to "see-saw" the throw out brearing into the pressure plate. I've had this happen to me. The pivot bracket can be changed without taking the bellhousing off, but it's a very tricky job to get the anti-ratle spring back on! If you confirm that this is what's happened and need some direction, let me know. If this is not your problem, it sounds like it will have to be torn down and inspected.
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steve'66
Gearhead Posts: 6602
From: Sonoma,CA,USA
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 08-14-2001 12:03 AM
Jas,Ron's right on target! The pivot bracket went in Mel's car and it did just what you are describing. But,
it felt like you were "breaking glass" when you stepped on the clutch peddle. Is it smooth or is it crunchy? I'll be pulling her bellhousing for a scattershield/cable clutch/5speed soon, so if you want one with a new pivot already installed let me know.  I also have a z-bar built from 1/2 flat-bar, 'cause I thought it was the z-bar bending.  SteveW
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Stang28965
Gearhead Posts: 411
From: Webster New York USA
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 08-14-2001 10:26 AM
I just had to drop my tranny because the SAME thing happen to me! The clutch fork had fallen off of the throwout bearing because one of the two clips had broken. (that hold the fork on) -Jeff ------------------
1965 Mustang
289 4speed
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JAAZZY
Gearhead Posts: 745
From: Bay Area, CA
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 08-14-2001 11:47 AM
Guys thanks for the help. This sounds about right. My clutch action is completely smooth except for the metalic sound of the new return spings I installed.I think I will let the local Mustang Shop fix it for me. Maybe I should order that part though and take it with me so that it is a one day repair job.
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bluestreek
Gearhead Posts: 1332
From: Athens,GA
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 08-14-2001 02:50 PM
Have you tried re-adjusting the linkage rod??
I have seen the Z-bars bend and take all the adjustment out of the clutch.. If this happens then your pedal will depress but the fulcrum will not get pushed in enough to release the clutch.. If the Z-bar bends then it is time for a heavy duty one..Good luck, and let us know what you find,
Dan
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JAAZZY
Gearhead Posts: 745
From: Bay Area, CA
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 08-14-2001 03:02 PM
I'm fairly certain it's not the Z-bar. Everything externally looks fine. I am especially suspicious because of the sudden way in which it gave out. I will let you guys know though. It will be a little while though, my appointment i for the 29th. Somehow I have lost the urge to do most of this stuff myself. I guess I would if there wasn't a trusted shop so close by.
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