C2 Clutch Adjustment Problem

[George C.]

As some have seen in previous posts I have just rebuilt, resealed, cleaned and repainted everything on my 65 roadster from the flywheel back. I did the front end last year. I had the clutch plate rebuilt, the disc religned, and the flywheel resurfaced, as well as replacing the throwout bearing. First I must say the clutch worked perfectly before I took it out, but you know while you have the transmission out why not... I now have about 3 inches of free peddle, and haven't touched the adjustment, in fact I am about to the end of the rod and have no adjustment left to lengthen it. The new throwout bearing is the same length as the old and I am about out of ideas. I have removed the clutch fork boot and all seems to be assembled correctly in there. I have not tried to drive it yet to see if the clutch will disengage, that comes tomorrow. Anybody have any ideas, I can't believe a few thousanth's shaved off the flywheel and pressure plate could make that big a difference?

Thank you,

George

[Joe C.]

Re: C2 Clutch Adjustment Problem

Make sure that the throw out bearing is installed on the fork correctly.

[Michael H.]

Re: C2 Clutch Adjustment Problem

Joe - Have you considered converting to a hydraulic clutch? If the car is a driver, this could be an excellent enhancement.

[Wayne W.]

Re: C2 Clutch Adjustment Problem

Frankly, I have always had troubles with rebuilt clutches in these cars. There is just not as much throw and adjustment as other cars. I have had many that wouldnt release, so I will not even try anymore.

[Ralph E.]

Re: C2 Clutch Adjustment Problem

George,
Did you disconnect the spring on the clutch Z shaft to fire wall. I don't know why, but I had a hard time adjusting my clutch. I disconnected that spring and adjusted the clutch. Everything now work perfectly. Give it a try.

[Joe R.]

Re: C2 Clutch Adjustment Problem

George,

The problem is not in the flywheel as it's just a flat surface and no amount of material removed from a flat surface will effect the adjustment.

If you have not changed anything except the parts you mentioned, then the pressure plate or disc thickness is your problem. A few thousandths from the pressure plate shims will change the fingers and you loose adjustment. Also the thickness of the clutch disc will change the adjustment drastically.

I'm with Wayne as I have found letting quote "clutch rebuilders" touch anything Corvette is a road to disaster. Visit you local Chevrolet dealer and purchase you a new clutch disc, throwout bearing and pressure plate. Your flywheel will be fine.

Good luck,

JR

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 Clutch Adjustment Problem

i've had nothing but GOOD LUCK with rebuilt pressure plates from Fort Wayne Clutch, Ft.Wayne ind. about 50 bucks. i use only new borg warner discs. mike

[Thomas R.]

Re: C2 Clutch Adjustment Problem

I did mine 3 weeks ago and had the same issue. The problem for me was the the pressure plate splines were too flat and the shop gave me another pressure plate that was new. Fixed the problem. If you ahve your old pressure plate and throwout bearing, compare the heights to sure if that;s the problem

Would agree with the above post to make sure the throwout bearing is correctly inserted into the clutch fork. Also check your clutch fork pushrod end holes are not enlarged or "wallowered" out as this will make a big difference in the clutch pedal height. I also bought all new springs for pushrod as mine were worn out and the previous owner had them insert in the wrong place.

[George C.]

Re: C2 Clutch Adjustment Problem

I finished putting the rear suspension together today and as suspected the clutch will not fully release, this is real frustration. Does anyone have a solution short of ripping it all apart again and replacing the pressure plate? I am considering having a longer clutch fork rod made up, I have checked all the wear points and everything is in good shape. I will also call the company that rebuilt the plate and disc and ask for their input.

Thanks to all who responded.

George