Clutch Issues!!! Help!!

rip78sc · rip78sc's Garage

ok, I'm pulling up to a stop and I push the clutch in everything seems to be fine. I get ready to drive off, push in the clutch and bammo nothing happens! I push as hard as I can but it's like it's partially dead - clutch won't engage. After the tow (I've got pics of that too) I crawl under to find this (see pics). Looks like the positioning lever spring is completely missing and the helper spring is broke. I am far from a genius when it comes to working on cars but the adjusting bolt/positioning lever/release lever do not look like the pictures in 101 Projects or the Bentley - any insight guys/gals?? Am I looking at just the two springs or is there more to the story? btw, 1978 SC Targa 150k miles summer driver only.

Rot 911 · 09-26-2007, 06:39 PM

Here is how it is supposed to look:

j_mancini · 09-26-2007, 08:58 PM

Yup, your clutch "helper" spring is busted. Looks like the return spring is missing as well. Check the tech articles on Pelican - there's a quite detailed article on how to replace the cable and springs:

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

It might be a good idea to replace your cable too, unless you know it to be good. My SC has about 153K, and the cable broken suddenly, left me stranded probably just like you. It's a pretty easy fix.

rip78sc · rip78sc's Garage

Thanks guys! I have been checking on parts and that darn helper spring seems to be difficult to find - our host has it as NLA. Any ideas on where to pick one up??

Thanks again,
Rob

Tim L · 09-27-2007, 09:41 AM

I could be wrong but I think your clutch should still work without the helper spring. I thing you could have other problems.

rip78sc · rip78sc's Garage

That's kinda what I was thinking too - there has to be something else wrong here. Especially if you look at both of the levers - just doesn't look right. They should be apart.

Superman · 09-27-2007, 10:46 AM

It looks like the jam nut is gone from the adjusting bolt, and the adjusting bolt has backed off to the point where the small arm is resting against the long arm. I think if you had just put a jam nut on that bolt and adjusted it, you could have driven home. The clutch pedal would require more foot pressure, but the clutch would have operated.

spuggy · 09-27-2007, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rip78sc

Thanks guys! I have been checking on parts and that darn helper spring seems to be difficult to find - our host has it as NLA. Any ideas on where to pick one up??

My omega spring was a little funky, and I noticed that PP had it as NLA too. Uh-oh.

Had some work done on the clutch, my wrench was telling me how it went and said "Oh, yeh, and we changed out the omega spring too".

I asked where they got it, and they said "Porsche listed it NLA, so we got one from Euro Car Parts."

They're a motor factor in the UK, google the significant words.

Not all the stuff they carry is on the web site, evidently, you might have to call. They ship worldwide. Think it cost about 80 GBP ($160 US). Works fine.

Can't imagine that you wouldn't find one in the US, but PM me if ya get stuck.

ChemMan · ChemMan's Garage

Where in MI are you?

rip78sc · rip78sc's Garage

Thanks spuggy - I found a couple places on the web for around $80-90 here in America. but let me tell ya I was looking at the part shops in the UK as well! I was getting nervous...

Michael Pillay - I'm right down the road from you in Flushing! Close to River Rd and Elms

Rodsrsr · Rodsrsr's Garage

I just got one from PAP parts, they should have them in stock.

ChemMan · ChemMan's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by rip78sc

Thanks spuggy - I found a couple places on the web for around $80-90 here in America. but let me tell ya I was looking at the part shops in the UK as well! I was getting nervous...

Michael Pillay - I'm right down the road from you in Flushing! Close to River Rd and Elms

I am not as proficient at repairing things as others on pelican, but I can lend a hand if you need help. Just shoot me a pm.

rip78sc · rip78sc's Garage

you bet! Thanks Michael!

rip78sc · rip78sc's Garage

Ok next problem - I can't get the stinkin release lever off!! I use the long screw driver as a pry bar, heated and tried again and to no avail. Is there a trick to get this off before I destroy the release cross-shaft or something inside??? btw it swing freely side to side but will not come off!

rip78sc · rip78sc's Garage

ok I think this bad dog may have a pin in it! I read a post that referred to a pin - look at the pic and let me know if you agree. If it is the next question is how to remove it? Use a punch and hammer??

rip78sc · rip78sc's Garage

Yep it was a pin - came right out and almost fell on me. Hopefully I'm providing some entertainment this weekend.

Now should I worry about the fork pin inside the trans or the cross-shaft? that would require pulling the tranny and I don't really want to do that if it's not necessary.

Thoughts?

Rot 911 · 09-29-2007, 01:30 PM

Did you look at this tech article before you started to tackle this project? http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_clutch_cable/911_clutch_cable.htm

rip78sc · rip78sc's Garage

Kurt V - sure did, a couple of times along with the Bentley and Projects 101. None of them referenced the pin in the release lever. I scoped through a ton of posts and came across one that John Walker replied to and he said there is sometimes a pin. Once I looked hard enough it was pretty obvious (after asking the quesiton of course) that it was a pin holding it in. Kind of curious why it wasn't mentioned in the articles or books - do I have a unique release lever? strange either way.

Now I just have to wait for the parts to complete. Thanks to all for your advice and support!