possible broken "omega" spring - '78 SC

[jmohn]

I think the clutch "omega" spring on my '78 SC broke this morning, I felt (rather than heard) a snap as I depressed the clutch and the clutch throw is now much reduced and is much stiffer. The clutch seems to disengage OK and there is no problem shifting. I replaced the clutch cable and rebuilt the pedal cluster a couple years ago so the most likely culprit seems to be that clutch "helper" spring.

My questions are - does this sound like a broken omega spring from this (admittedly limited) information? and - will I cause any further damage if I drive it this way for a few days until I can a get a new spring delivered and installed?

Thanks,

Jerry M
'78 SC

[Mountainman]

Yes, it sounds like the clutch helper spring. Best thing to do is get under the car
with a flashlight and have a look at it, it could be too that something else came loose and it isn't broken at all.
If it is broken the fix is easy and should only take a about 30 minutes, the spring is about $80. Check the connection at the end of the clutch cable to the arm, check where the clutch cable mounts to the bottom of the trans as it might have just slipped off. As long as the clutch is still working you should be OK to drive.
DW

[Rot 911]

Most times when the spring breaks there is not much reduction in pedal throw so you might want to jack up the car and take a look to make sure the omega spring is indeed broken. If it is you can drive it like that for as long as you want as the omega spring is just a "helper" spring to make it easier to push in on the clutch pedal. Here is a picture of the spring and the tech articles have a good write up on how to replace it.

[Gunter]

Like Kurt says: Go under there first before ordering anything.
Sometimes the roll pin on the clutch pedal brakes just enough to still allow some travel in the clutch cable.
Or the fork brakes just one finger with the same result.
Then there is the bracket to hold the cable; it can crack.
Let us know what you find.

[jmohn]

Got under the car last night - it's a broken "omega" spring. Ordered parts from Pelican this morning.

Thanks for the advice,

Jerry M
'78 SC

[Gunter]

Sounds good, Jerry.
They usually just get tired.
Where did it break?