Help! cant load the helper spring!

[UTKarmann_Ghia]

How in God's name do you load the helper spring. I've gone through the 101 projects as my spring was broken, but it doesnt say HOW to do it. Can anybody help me/post a pic of what position the screwdrive should be in to accomplish this? Thanks guys...

[Paul Thomas]

Have you looked at the tech article on this subject? There are some good pics. I haven't done this in a while and cant't remember how i did it. i think i used a big pair of channel locks.

Paul

[kstylianos]

ghia,

Take the new helper spring to a vise and compress it just enough that it will fit into place (take measurements). Wire tie the spring in this compressed position and take it back under the car and fit it into place. Cut wire tie.

[UTKarmann_Ghia]

That's an interesting idea Charlie...I think I might try that.

Paul, the tech article doesnt seem to even say to load the helper spring. I've skimmed the article, but I dont see it (I could just be blind tho). I do keep forgetting that Pelican has pretty good tech articles on different subjects.

Also when I was replacing the helper spring, one of the bushings just fell apart. Sooo, I've decided to wait until I get the new bushings, before I put the new helper spring back in. Sigh, I'm always needing a part I didnt count on needing before the job...

[Wayne 962]

The helper spring should simply snap into place with a crowbar. Here's the tech article:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_clutch_cable/911_clutch_cable.htm

-Wayne

[ChrisBennet]

Are you talking about the horseshoe shaped leaf spring on the clutch lever? It's not that hard but maybe with a new spring it is different.

Pull the clutch pedal up. You may have to put a block of wood under it to keep it there.
With the large clutch lever installed (but not the little one) I slide helper spring over the pin.
Then I attach the clutch cable.
Then I take a large screwdriver (12") and pry the arm into place.
If you are having troubles prying the arm far enough, make sure your clutch cable has slack.
-Chris

[UTKarmann_Ghia]

Wayne, you're the man, but I've read the entire article and nowhere does it say HOW to install the helper spring. I must be blind as Paul referred me to that same article. I read where it mentioned how to take it off and how to install the pin correctly, but nothing on how to get that @#$% thing loaded and installed. 101 Projects mentions about installing it, but it's pretty vague on exactly how. Maybe I'm just misunderstanding on how it's done? It's supposed to be cranked and fit on the other side after it's installed, right?

I got my screwdriver, I'm under the car (ow, just bonked my head) and I cant even imagine where to start prying I'm sure it will come to me...maybe in a dream

[ChrisBennet]

Ghia,
If I remember correctly, there isn't a real good place on the transmission to pry against. You just do the best you can.
-Chris

[UTKarmann_Ghia]

Alrighty then! Thanks a bunch guys, but kstylianos' idea of wire tieing the dang thing was the only way I could figure out how to get the thing on. When I bought the car 3 weeks ago, I just thought the clutch was stiff...ya know, heavy-duty. And I thought Porsche couldnt make transmissions for beans since I was grinding 1st and 2nd gear constantly. And half the time I had to JAM it into 1st gear. I'm AMAZED at just how good the clutch works now. Absolutely the best $50 I ever spent...

Thanks for all the help guys, I'm gonna have to watch somebody pry one of these things on sometime.

[Wayne 962]

Wear safety glasses, and make sure your hands are clear!

-Wayne