I recently had the clutch replaced and flywheel resurfaced on my 59. It was at the advisement of the mechanic working on my car, in addition to other work that was being done on the drivetrain, etc. Although the previous clutch had a slight grab before it released when being disengaged, the new setup is more pronounced and somewhat annoying. He explained that it should improve slightly after being broken in over time, but this was typical of these older mechanical clutches. He also suggested that the addition of a second spring is a common way to create a smoother disengagement. I understand that this would not comply with judging guidelines. I don't plan on having the car judged. Therefore, I am more concerned with the best driving experience. Your thoughts and suggestions are appreciated. Thanks. - Kevin
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Re: C-1 clutch
Kevin-I had my clutch & flywheel replaced on my C-1 about 2 years ago because the release
bearing kept on turning all the time when engine was running % eventually wore out.. The local Corvette guru suggested a 10.25 inch diameter spring clutch from Ft Wayne clutch Co.
as well as a 28 lb. steel flywheel.(old clutch was 11 inch diaphram)My concern was the pedal pressure being very heavy as I had previeus experience earlier.To my surprise the new clutch is only slightly heavier and exhibited the same easy
characteristics as the diaphram clutch.Im very pleased with the results.
Regards,
Donald #31176 -
Re: C-1 clutch
Kevin -
I don't understand about it "grabbed" when being disengaged, and is worse now than it was before, nor can I make sense of the mechanic's statement about "these old mechanical clutches". I've had countless cars with "these old mechanical clutches", and they all work fine if the linkage is in good condition and is properly lubricated and adjusted (and the throwout bearing is correctly assembled to the clutch fork - the way it's designed, it can be - and often is - assembled wrong). Could you provide a more detailed description of the symptom you're experiencing?Comment
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Re: C-1 clutch
John, when releasing the clutch, it seems to hold up at first rather than my being able to let it out easily/gradually. As a result, I sometimes get a rather harsh "grab" which causes for some rough transition into the next acceleration mode. The mechanic was saying that there is a different feel to mechanical clutches versus the hydraulic type I am used to. Something doesn't seem right. If I am being fed a healthy portion of baloney, help me with my indigestion. Thanks. - KevinComment
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Re: C-1 clutch
Kevin -
I think what you're experiencing is caused by the infamous over-center "Godzilla Spring" that runs from the outboard lever on the clutch cross shaft down to the frame rail. This Rube Goldberg design (should have won a trophy) was intended to function as a clutch pedal return spring at the top of pedal travel, then to go "over-center" as the pedal was depressed and "assist" your foot in overcoming the resistance of the clutch pressure plate as it disengaged. The spring's upper attaching bracket to the lever on the cross shaft is adjustable to set the point in pedal travel where the "over-center" action takes place (along with the accompanying "t****"), and the procedure to make the adjustment is covered in the "ST-12" manual.
Judging aside, this arrangement is a mess, a PITA, and a major safety hazard to work on; I remove them and just use an ordinary return spring from the upper end of the lever to the firewall to hold the pedal up against its rubber bumper. This design was NOT the General's finest workComment
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Rube Goldberg!
John's colorful use of a post WW2 allusion (Rube Goldberg) brings back fond memories of dinner table conversation from the Eisenhower administration! For those younger club members who may wonder what-in-heck/who-in-heck, Rube Goldberg was a comic.
He devised elaborate machines to achieve this/that simple function with LOTs of extra/superflous parts (mice on treadmills, balls rolling down ramps, Etc.). Reading a Rube Goldberg comic strip or watching a short animation was, for a period, a GREAT WAY for emerging industrial/high-tech America to look in the mirror and laugh at ourselves!Comment
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