Clutch questions and trany rebuild impressions!

SpeedracerIndy · 06-13-2004, 08:15 AM

Just installed my engine and rebuilt tranny with a new clutch. I had to have my flywheel resurfaced because it was scored pretty bad. When I adjusted my clutch, to get it to the factory specs I had to let out the maximum amount of cable at the pedal cluster, and it is also at it's maximum adjustment on the trans bracket. First, there seems to be a lot of play in the pedal before it engagues. I adjusted to a 0.04" gap with the cable attached (0.047" w/o cable attached). Why do I need that much gap? Can I make it less to reduce the amount of play in the pedal, or is it there for a reason? Also, my clutch pedal is MUCH lighter not than it was before. Is it supposed to be so light? Could that just mean that it was not adjusted properly before the clutch job? Before the job, it was very heavy and had a very sharp snap in. Now it is lighter than my dad's G50, and has a soft snap in.

One more thing: My rebuilt tranny is PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It now shifts like a Porsche is supposed to. I can't believe I didn't do this sooner. It was really very easy too. While I was waiting on parts I was also able to fix a bunch of oil leaks and clean up the engine too.

I can now say my car shifts perfectly, AND it doesn't leak a drop of oil!! Two things I didn't think I would ever be able to say about my 23 year old car.

Here are some shots of the engine after I cleaned it up and installed it:

GrindingGears · 06-13-2004, 08:17 AM

Very nice! Good work

rcecale · rcecale's Garage

WAY TO GO, CD!!!! YOU DID IT!!!

Amazing how easy it turns out to be, isn't it?

The engine and tranny look great. Nice clean-up job.

Randy

edit: What did you end up using to seal your tranny?

SpeedracerIndy · 08:26 AM

Thanks for the quick responses guys!! This job deffinately has the highest satisfaction level of any car repair I have ever done. Total bill came to $1250, and it was well worth it. I have a like new transmission, leak free engine, and like new alternator.

Randy: I ended up using the coper silicon gasket sealer to seal it. The blue you see is left over high temp sealer that I have since removed.

Now, I'm off to DRIVE!

TerryH · TerryH's Garage

Congrats on a job well done and it looks great too!

You describe a heavy snap and that sounds like the clutch on my '81. It works great, trans if fine, but the clutch pedal is heavy and it seems engagement happens all at once when that critical spot in pedal travel is reached. Previous owner had clutch replaced about 5k miles ago, so I'm hoping some simple adjustment could be made.

makaio · 06-13-2004, 08:42 AM

I was suprises at how soft and easy my clutch pedal was after my clutch and tranny rebuild as well. It's lighter than the clutch in my VW Passat now.

SpeedracerIndy · 06-13-2004, 08:54 AM

I am thinking (hoping) that the light clutch is because it is adjusted correctly now. It is really quite smooth, and lighter than my daily driver (Mitsu Eclipse). Time will tell I guess. There is no more of that ON or OFF feel that it used to have. TerryH: if you are in doubt, the clutch adjusting procedure really is quite easy, and all you need is a feeler gague, 13mm, and 15mm wrench. I'd be willing to bet you are in need of a small adjustment.