Porsche 911 clutch engaging problem

[Monkey19]

1986 Porsche 911 3.2 915

The clutch pedal on my 911 only extends out half way after full compression. The gears engages but only for tick-over with the accelerator not having any impact when pressed.

This is the first major problem for my first go at classic Porsche ownership - any ideas on what this could be and if it is an internal or external mechanical fix ?

[gregwils]

I would start by adjusting the clutch and setting the cable to the correct specs. Cables are not long-lived, so you may want to consider replacing the cable.

You didn't provide much background information, but that would be the lowest cost and least invasive repair. The clutch pedal can behave oddly when the clutch cable is improperly installed.

[Flat6pac]

Unless, its something more complicated, like the petal cluster check by the levers on the trans. there is 2 arms, one short and one long. The long one is a helper spring and idles on the verticle shaft. The short one actually activates the clutch and has a short spring attached to the trans so it will keep pressure off the verticle shaft and clutch pack.
Circlip on the bottom, remove and you can remove the short arm. with a large screwdriver collapse the helper spring, disconnect the clutch cable, and drop off.
Clean the verticle shaft and antiseize and put it all back together including the short spring. Adjust the bolt and lock so there is minimum movement, but space, between the 2 arms.
Exercise the petal and see if it comes back up all the way.
If it doesnt, there is 2 15mm nuts on the cable housing under the trans. Releasing the rear nut and tightening the front nut will raise the petal. Once the petal is up, continue to adjust to get clutch engagement where in the petal travel you want engagement.

Bruce

[Gunter]

Monkey19,

Like Bruce stated, there is more to it!!!!!

The clutch pedal dowel may have broken, remove the foot board and check.
The cross-shaft on the bell housing may need lube so the 2 levers can move.

You'll need to go over the whole mechanism: pedal cluster, cable, C-spring, long and short lever, cross-shaft oiling, etc.

Get Wayne's book: "101 Projects for your 911", the procedure is in there.