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I have a 73 with 79 350 that am finishing up. Replaced clutch when body was off. Now find that to get clutch adjusted must go to end of adjustment rod. I am concerned if have the correct throw-out bearing. Shop manual shows two different height bearings. What was difference between 73 and 79? Can linkage be changed to correct, or am I going to have to tear out the clutch/transmissionn to correct? It was easy to change with the body off!
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Re: C3 Throwout Bearing
Bob------
There were only TWO different length clutch release bearings EVER used on Corvettes from 1956 to 1981. 1956-63 used a 1-1/4" long bearing. 1964-1980 used a bearing that was 1-7/32" long. 1981 went back to the 1-1/4" long bearing.
The 1-7/32" long bearing was discontinued from SERVICE years ago. I think that, when it was available, it was only from GM and it is no more. I don't think that there's an aftermarket source for this bearing length today.
In any event, GM says that the 1-1/4" long bearing will SERVICE all 1956 through 1981 Corvette applications. So, if you used a 1-1/4" bearing, you used the right one.
If, by chance, you use the 1-7/8" bearing as used on other Chevrolets (and, which many parts "countermen" will sell you believeing that "all Chevrolets are the same"), then you have a problem. If you have an early 1955 Corvette, it will work, though.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: C3 Throwout Bearing
You may have the correct bearing length but improperly installed it on the clutch arm. Don't ask how I know this can happen. If you can remember when you installed the bearing, did you place the arm and tangs in the groove of the bearing. Below are photos of correct and wrong.
If its wrong, the clutch is literally impossible to adjust correctly....
CORRECT
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Re: C3 Throwout Bearing
Joe and Steve - Many thanks for the prompt and very helpful responses. I am diving back into it this afternoon. Considering the time lapse since installed, I thought I had been very careful and had it right. But, there is a problem and I really appreciate your help! Anyone who ever questioned the value of their membership hasn't seen all the great help available. Thanks again guys! Regards, Bob Unkel 36121Comment
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I'm at a loss as to what you're trying to fix.
As long as your adjustment swivel is captured by the threaded nuts on the push rod, why would it matter if it's all the way to the end and your clutch is in proper adjustment? As the disc gets wear on it you will adjust it in the direction of showing more threads than you have now. Not less.
My '65 has the original clutch in it. The adjustment is all the way out just like you describe on your C-3. Clutch works fine. Just changed the engine in my '63. I had an aftermarket PP in it. I don't know what. Installed the new engine with a NOS GM clutch. I had to re-adjust the linkage all the way back to the end of the adjustment rod, just like the '65. Works fine. I believe my '77 was the same. So, I don't know what's trying to be fixed here. These threads are pretty common on Corvette discussion forums.
Putting the spring on the wrong side of the throwout bearing collar won't prevent you from properly adjusting the clutch. It will give you a false sense of free play feel. It doesn't change the distance from the arm bearing surface to the clutch fingers.Comment
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Re: I'm at a loss as to what you're trying to fix.
My concern was that I didn't think I had any room for future adjustment so something must be wrong. It works and I have a lot of room between the swivel and the firewall end of the threads. Since it has been over 4 years since it was running when I bought it, I wanted to make certain I didn't have another problem.Comment
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