Strange Clutch Problem

Feb 25, 2008 9 Replies
R

Hi Guys, Wondering of anyone can enlighten me on a clutch problem I'm encountering with my 59' Lark. It has the 6 cylinder engine with a 3 speed (no OD). I noticed that the point of engagement for the cluth was becoming lower and lower (to the floorboard), so I adjusted the released rod on the linkage as the shop manual instructs. That adjustment eld fine for a couple of weeks, during which the point of engagement once again, became lower and lower to the floorboard. I once again adjusted it, however this time, it sank back down to the previous low level with about 10 applications of the clutch! Rather than keep adjusting it further and further, I am wondering what could be causing the clutch to keep going lower and lower simply by applying the clutch pedal? I'm not 100% certain on the precise mechanics of how the clutch on my Lark operates, other than I know the pressure plate is pulled back away from the driven plate to make or break the engagement. Is it probable that the pedal linkage is worn down and requires attention, or is there something within the internal clutch itself that would cause this condition?



Any thoughts or suggestions?



Thanks,



-George-



-59 Lark Regal



-63 GT Hawk



-63 Champ Pickup


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G
90% of the the time, it is a failure OUTSIDE the bell housing, usually the shaft lever outside of the coupler with clevis pins. Alson the coupler itself can crack and fail. I experienced both with my old Avanti.

JT

reichsrundfunk wrote:

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K

You may eventually need to remove the bell housing, to see if the spline has stripped where the two uprights (holding the throwout bearing) attach to the round shaft. This is a common failure, usually more so, with a pressure plate with heavy springs. Once repositioned, it can be welded.

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R

Hi All, hanks for your input. I am going to be positive and go with checking the clevis pins First. It seems to me that if the splines were stripped or stripping, you would feel it suddenly giving as it jumped from one plie to the next, so to speak. But it gives me directions any way!

-George-

-59 Lark

-63 GT Hawk

-63 Champ

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G

I've never had a clevis pin failure but several cracked couplers and tabs of the shaft(s) that began to rotate..

JT

Lee wrote:

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G

They don't "jump" from spline to spline, the shaft/tab simply begins to slip.

Internal bell housing failures are rare in my experience.

JT

reichsrundfunk wrote:

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R

Ahh, gottcha. Well, when I crawl under there and check it all out I'll let you guys know what I find. IT is good to know it probably isn't a super major project, anyway.....

-George-

-59 Lark Regal

-63 GT Hawk

-63 Champ

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G

Easiest way is to get it on a lift.

JT

reichsrundfunk wrote:

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P

I have- on my '64 ('63 1/2) Avanti four-speed while driving in LA on my way to Frost and French. Not much fun killing it at each or the 100 or so (slight exaggeration) traffic lights then starting up in 1st gear. Paul Johnson

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